24 February 2023 , 15:20
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Toni Kroos launched something of a rant when Casemiro left Real Madrid for Manchester United.
The Germany international took aim at the Premier League, pointing out that an English side hadn't won an international trophy in 2022, and suggested that players only move to the UK for a payday.
He also name-dropped Casemiro, admitting he was "surprised" and "sad" to see his teammate of eight years say goodbye to the Bernabeu for Old Trafford. "The Premier League has not won an international title this year," said Kroos in the summer. "Television money has been significantly higher in England for years and yet it hasn't resulted in English teams winning everything.
"Thank God not all players look only at salary but also at winning."
On Casemiro, he told the Universo Valdano on Spanish TV: "I was surprised by Casemiro's departure. It is true that the rumours started two days before, but here there are always many rumours and many times nothing happens. But when he told me I was sad, because I began to remember all the years with him and the things we won together."
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Casemiro was aware of the criticism at the time and hit back: "Those who think that don't know me. I'm not like that.
"If it was for money, then I could have left four or five years ago. The club always acted well with me. It was my decision. It was simply the feeling that my cycle here had come to an end. This was clear to me."
Half a year on from Kroos' comments and they suddenly make sense.
Casemiro was hugely successful with Toni Kroos at Real Madrid (Antonio Villalba/Getty Images)The German wasn't digging out his former teammate for any reason other than he knew the Brazilian would leave a huge hole in the middle of the park for Real Madrid.
Casemiro has been a revelation at United and, alongside a resurgent Marcus Rashford, is at the centre of Eik ten Hag's new-look Red Devils in the mix to win four trophies this season.
The Brazilian was in action for United on Thursday night and put in another assured display as they beat Barcelona in their Europa League knockout play-off to set up a last-16 clash with Real Betis.
Kroos was quick to point out that an English team didn't win a trophy in 2022 but with Casemiro on board United will be hoping that can change this campaign ahead of their Carabao Cup final clash with Newcastle this weekend.
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