PEREZ NAMES REAL’S BEST SIGNING

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has named Toni Kroos as the club’s ‘best signing of the century’, bypassing club legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and Karim Benzema.

The 77-year-old made this bold statement during a conversation with Kroos' agent, Volker Struth, just before the coronavirus pandemic, revealing his admiration for the German midfielder.

While many expected Perez to crown Ronaldo, Real Madrid's all-time top scorer, as the best signing due to his remarkable 451 goals in 438 appearances, it was Kroos who stood out for the club president. In fact, Perez highlighted Kroos’ exceptional value for money, pointing to his instrumental role in the club’s success over the years. During his time at Madrid, Kroos helped the team win 21 trophies, including four La Ligas and five Champions League titles, making him a key player in one of the club’s most successful eras.

Perez’s appreciation for Kroos is evident not only in his words but also in the club’s treatment of the midfielder. Despite rumors of retirement looming, the club offered Kroos a contract renewal, but the 34-year-old midfielder made the decision to retire after Euro 2024, following his final match in club football – a 2-0 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund. Perez reflected on Kroos’ time at the club, saying, “Toni Kroos is one of the greatest players in the history of Real Madrid, and this club is and always will be his home.”

Kroos’ departure marks the end of an era, and Perez has ensured that his legacy is cemented in the club’s history. Despite the incredible talents and iconic players who have graced Madrid over the years, including Ronaldo, Zidane, and Benzema, Perez remains steadfast in his belief that Kroos was the club’s most valuable acquisition of the 21st century.