Toni Kroos: 'Arda Güler is Not My Successor'

Former Real Madrid player Toni Kroos made press statements during an extensive interview with German sports newspaper "Sport1," where he discussed his former teammate Arda Güler and also reviewed aspects of his life after retiring from football.

Kroos expressed his delight at Arda Güler receiving more playing minutes this season, noting that the young Turkish player deserves it. He stated, "I'm happy that he's getting more playing time this year because he deserved it football-wise, and he's a lad who can be trusted in the future."

When asked if Güler could be his successor in Madrid, the 2014 World Cup winner clarified, "He is a different type of player than me, and his best position is clearly more attacking than mine, so he is not my successor at all. However, I am generally happy because he is a good lad, and I was able to play with him."

He added, "He has a wonderful technical touch, and he knew how to use it very effectively at Real Madrid this season. Therefore, I hope he continues to get consistent playing minutes, because that is the only way he can improve, and I am sure he will be able to create an era at Real Madrid for many years."

Kroos also touched upon his life after retirement, explaining that his absence from the spotlight does not mean he is idle. He said, "Just because you hear less about me doesn't mean I have nothing to do. A lot is happening. I work daily at my academy in Madrid, where I personally coach two teams. Additionally, my foundation celebrated its tenth anniversary with a major event in Düsseldorf, which I was able to perfectly integrate with the 'Icon League'."