Toni Kroos has admitted that he was surprised and saddened by Casemiro's decision to leave Real Madrid for Manchester United during the summer.
United pulled off one of the more shocking transfers of the transfer window when they took Casemiro to Old Trafford for a total fee in excess of £60m.
The Brazilian midfielder's decision to depart Real Madrid confused many given that he was still starting for the team that had just won the Champions League and were arguably the world's best. But he has spoken passionately about his new team since and already found his feet in England.
Kroos has taken a not-so-subtle dig at his now former team-mate, suggesting he and other who move to England may have done so for the money on offer from Premier League clubs.
"Television money has been significantly higher in England for years and yet it hasn't resulted in English teams winning everything. Thank God not all players look only at salary but also at winning," the German was quoted as saying by Marca.
He has also now discussed the move again, stating that he didn't think Casemiro was going to leave when talk of the Manchester United move began to stir and was saddened when he did.
"I was surprised by Casemiro's departure," he told Universo Valdano.
"It is true that the rumours started two days before, but here there are always many rumours and many times nothing happens. But when he told me I was sad, because I began to remember all the years with him and the things we win together."
Real Madid have still coped well without Casemiro, sitting top of La Liga with Kroos himself often playing deeper to fill the void left by the Brazilian.
Source : 90min