Toni Kroos can understand the criticism of his former teammate André Schürrle about the football industry. In an interview with SPIEGEL, Schürrle made his resignation public at the age of only 29. He criticized that weakness should not be shown in football and honesty was not desired. The statements “absolutely 100 percent apply to business today,” said Toni Kroos in the latest edition of the podcast “Einfach mal Luppen”, in which he talks to his brother Felix.
Kroos, who plays for Real Madrid, was world champion with Schürrle in Brazil in 2014. “He is really a great character. I loved playing with him and we got on really well,” said Kroos. Schürrle was always in a good mood. “Nevertheless, you always had the feeling that he was someone who might not always be full of absolute self-confidence.”
Kroos agreed with the views of his ex-teammate. “I also believe that there is no longer any absolute ability to criticize today. As soon as someone dances a little out of line and sometimes says something critical and speaks openly and honestly, you are the one who ultimately has the problems,” says Kroos . Everyone wanted such guys. “But it is difficult.”
“If you’re honest, you don’t have a long shelf life in the business”
His brother Felix, who is one year younger and whose contract with the Bundesliga club Union Berlin has expired, has a similar view: “If you are honest, you don’t have a long shelf life in the business. Because you are perceived as a difficult character. Because that creates problems, and you don’t want that. ” Everyone just looks at themselves. If there is as much money in circulation as in football, “very few people remain themselves”.
National coach Joachim Löw had already spoken shortly after Schürrle’s resignation. “I got to know André Schürrle at a young age as a characterful and forward-looking player who has always been at the service of the team,” said Löw, taking his hat off to Schürrle’s decision.
DFB director Oliver Bierhoff said similarly: “I have great respect for André Schürrle’s decision. In addition to all his athletic qualities, I always noticed his fine, reflective but equally cheerful manner,” said Bierhoff. At the DFB, Schürrle would open the doors for his future life.
Schürrle had played a total of 57 international matches for the DFB team, including six appearances at the 2014 World Cup, which the team won. Most recently, he had been under contract with Borussia Dortmund.
