After saying in the past that moving to the Middle East is “against football,” the World Cup-winning former Germany international was the subject of jeers on the terrace, with former Real teammates like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema having already gone down that route.

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WHAT KROOS SAID

“It’s been said that they play ambitious football there, but it’s all about money,” Kroos noted in the past. Ultimately, it’s a financial decision made against football. The absence of human rights would make me unable to travel. Kroos discovered on his most recent outing with the Blancos that the fans in that region are not ready to forget or forgive.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Real prevailed 5-3 in a thrilling Supercopa clash with rivals Atletico, with that contest having been held in Saudi Arabia in four of the past five seasons. Kroos was able to have the last laugh, as the victory set up a final against Barcelona or Osasuna, and posted on social media in response to being booed: “That was fun today! Amazing crowd.”