Toni Kroos revealed he had agreed terms with Manchester United but the talks fell through as Real Madrid swooped to sign him from Bayern Munich.
The German international had reached an agreement with then-manager David Moyes, a decision that seemed set in stone.
However, just as negotiations were advancing, Moyes was sacked by United with Louis van Gaal taking the reins.
The new regime at United decided against pursuing Kroos, and the midfielder opted to reconsider his options.
In an interview with SPORT1, Kroos said: “In 2014, before I signed with Real Madrid, I had already agreed with Manchester United.
“That would have been a move from Bayern to United.
“But then they kicked out David Moyes, who I was still sitting on my couch with in Munich and hired Louis van Gaal.
“Then we both declined with thanks.”
As the talks with United fell apart, Real Madrid took full advantage of the situation.
The allure of the Santiago Bernabeu, combined with the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti, led him to the Spanish capital, where he would go on to write one of the most successful chapters in the club’s history.
“The World Cup started, and Ancelotti got in touch – that was it,” Kroos explained.
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In a glittering career in the Spanish capital, Kroos won five Champions League titles.
In addition to his European triumphs, Kroos lifted five Club World Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and four Spanish Super Cups.
His role in Madrid’s midfield, alongside players like Luka Modric and Casemiro, was instrumental in the club’s domination of European football over the past decade.
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