Real Madrid star Toni Kroos gives coldest response when asked if Saudi Arabia boos bothered him

Toni Kroos has risked reigniting a feud by giving a blunt answer to a question about football fans in Saudi Arabia.

Kroos has been one of the best midfielders in the world over the past decade, anchoring a Real Madrid side that has won the Champions League on four occasions since he joined the club from Bayern Munich.

However, despite all that he has achieved in the game, the former Germany international did not receive a warm welcome when Los Blancos took part in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia last month.

Kroos' every touch was booed during Madrid's 5-3 semi-final win against Atletico Madrid and 4-1 demolition of Barcelona in the final.

Football fans in the Gulf State didn't appreciate Kroos criticising players for joining Saudi Pro League clubs, nor his comments about the kingdom's human rights record.

After describing Gabri Veiga's move to Al-Ahli from Celta Vigo as "embarrassing", - the youngster was previously linked to Manchester City and Napoli - Kroos said: "It’s been said that they play ambitious football there, but it’s all about money.

"In the end, it’s a decision for money and against football. The lack of human rights, it would prevent me from going."

Real Madrid star Kroos has never been one to mince his words. When asked ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League last-16 tie against RB Leipzig if being booed bothered him, Kroos said: "No, for me, they meant more or less the confirmation that what I said was correct."

Toni Kroos was booed throughout Real Madrid's win over Atletico Madrid (Image: Getty)

Kroos was similarly blunt after the semi-final last month, sarcastically writing "amazing crowd" in an Instagram post.

However, days after the incident the 34-year-old was accused of being a hypocrite when his official X account posted a video of the German promoting Dubai as a tourism destination.

The post caption read: "Loved experiencing #DubaiForReal with @realmadrid."

Hundreds of Kroos' followers accused the midfielder of being a hypocrite, as the United Arab Emirates has a human rights record comparable to Saudi Arabia.

Topics: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid, Saudi Arabia, La Liga

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton