In a recent episode of the “A to Z” podcast, hosted by tennis stars Alexander and Mischa Zverev, former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos shared his thoughts on football and the impact of teamwork. Kroos, a retired legend of the game, believes that individual awards are “completely unnecessary” in a sport that thrives on collaboration. “Without the team, the individual would be nothing,” he stated, emphasizing that success is achieved together rather than through individual accolades.

He added, “With eleven Toni Kroos, you won’t win anything. But maybe you do need a Toni Kroos. That’s why I always tried to put my players in the position where they are at their best and where we can win games.” This perspective highlights his commitment to creating an environment where every teammate can excel.

Reflecting on his retirement, Kroos shared, “I always wanted to finish at the top. Maybe in five years, I’ll say it was a year too soon, but I feel fine now.” Although he has clear visions for his future, he does not currently see himself managing a professional team. “Right now, I don’t feel like training professionals,” he explained.

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During the podcast, Kroos praised Real Madrid for its strategic approach to maintaining a strong team. He noted the club’s ability to bring in young talent to replace departing stars seamlessly. “They always had to replace players of great quality,” Kroos explained. “A new young player was already ready, and so one wheel clicked into place.”

Kroos also reflected on his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, admiring his incredible work ethic. “Cristiano was there when I arrived at training, and he was still there when I left,” Kroos recalled. He described Ronaldo’s obsession with scoring goals as “a positive addiction,” illustrating the relentless dedication that contributed to the Portuguese superstar’s success.