When Perez Overlooked Ronaldo When Naming Real Madrid’s Best Signing
- Florentino Pérez overlooked Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in favour of one player as the best signing of Real Madrid's modern era
- Los Blancos have signed high-profile players for astronomical fees but they've also brought in players at a lower cost who have made a massive impact
- These signings, regardless of price, have helped the club achieve great success both domestically and internationally
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez previously caused a stir by naming the club's “best signing of the century,” leaving out legendary figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and Karim Benzema.
Currently, in his second term as the club's president, a role he previously held from 2000 to 2006, Perez has overseen the arrivals of numerous world-class players, including Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and others.
Source: Getty Images
Given Ronaldo’s remarkable record as Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer, it seemed obvious that he would be the choice.
With 451 goals in 438 appearances in Real Madrid shirt, the Portuguese captain is a club icon, yet Perez had a different view.
Perez named Real Madrid’s greatest signing
Surprisingly, Perez named Toni Kroos as the club's ‘signing of the century,’ according to the German midfielder's agent, Volker Struth.
In an interview on Philipp Westermeyer's OMR podcast in 2022, Struth disclosed that Perez had shared his reasoning for the decision just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
"Florentino invited me to lunch, and he is a genuinely nice person with a fascinating life story," Struth said.
"He explained why Toni Kroos is Real Madrid's signing of the century for him. For Florentino, Kroos is unbeatable in terms of value for money."
Source: Getty Images
Perez’s admiration for the German midfielder is understandable, given Kroos' instrumental role in helping the club secure 21 major trophies, including four La Liga titles and five Champions League victories.
In May 2024, Kroos announced that he would retire after Euro 2024. His last match in club football was Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley. Following Kroos’ retirement announcement, Perez praised him, stating in a club statement via Get Spanish Football News:
“Toni Kroos is one of the greatest players in the history of Real Madrid, and this club is and always will be his home.”
Reports from Telegrafi disclosed that Perez even tried to convince Kroos to continue playing, offering him a contract renewal.
However, the midfielder chose to retire at his peak. Perez remarked:
“He did what he wanted to do. He leaves as a legend, and we will always remember him as one of the greatest in the world.”
Toni Kroos' Real Madrid career
Kroos’ career at Real Madrid is nothing short of remarkable. Since moving from Bayern Munich in 2014, he has established himself as a key figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
Across more than ten seasons, he contributed to four La Liga titles, five UEFA Champions League triumphs, and a host of other domestic and international honours.
See pictures of the send-forth below:
Often hailed as one of the most intelligent and technically gifted midfielders of his generation, Kroos was known for his precision passing, control under pressure, and tactical discipline.
Kroos speaks about Real Madrid vs. Arsenal
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Toni Kroos opened up about Real Madrid’s memorable Champions League encounters with Arsenal last season.
Despite their strong squad and high expectations, Madrid were outplayed as Arsenal managed to claim back-to-back victories, leaving a lasting mark on the competition.
Source: YEN.com.gh
