Bayern Munich honorary president opens up about German midfielder’s Real Madrid move — “Never earn 10 million here” | OneFootball

Toni Kroos’ move from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid is widely regarded as one of the greatest transfers in football history.

Having joined for a figure of just €25 million, Kroos went on to become one of the finest midfielders in the recent memory.

It was a transfer that Bayern Munich would rue even to this day. However, in a recent interview, Bayern Munich’s honorary president explained exactly how the move unfolded, making no apologies for the club’s stance.

Hoeness on Kroos move to Real Madrid

“Michael Ballack went to England, Toni Kroos to Spain, but even then, we were in control,” he said (h/t Defensa Central), defending Bayern’s model of financial discipline.

Kroos is a Real Madrid legend. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images for Laureus)

On the specifics of Kroos’ departure, Hoeness was remarkably candid. “I met Toni once and told him that he would never earn 10 million and one euro at Bayern, so he left.”

The offer on the table at the time was precisely €10 million, and Bayern refused to go beyond it.

Kroos’ agent tells his side

The account given by Kroos’ agent largely lines up with Hoeness’ version of events.

“I met with Bayern in Munich and Rummenigge told me that because of the high regard we have for Toni, we would go up to 6.5 million. I replied that we wouldn’t accept less than 10 million and the conversation ended,” the agent explained.

Hoeness then took matters into his own hands. “I entered the dressing room and shouted at Toni: ‘Call your agent! You’ll never earn 10 million here!’ Toni replied: ‘I don’t need to call him, we have the same opinion.'”

Kroos ended up joining Real Madrid for just €25 million, winning five Champions League in the process and making almost 450 competitive appearances, before retiring in 2024.

Kroos’ chapter at Real Madrid might not be over, though, as recent reports have linked to a potential return to the touchline.