The former German international admitted he himself felt annoyed while he was Vinicius's teammate at Real Madrid from 2018 to 2024. Kroos stated that Vinicius's constant aggressive actions, provocations, and arguments with opponents, referees, and even spectators directly affected the team.

Toni Kroos (left) and Vinicius Junior during a Real Madrid match at the Bernabeu in 2023. *Photo: Maxppp*.

"When I was still playing, I told Vinicius many times that enough was enough", Kroos said as a commentator at the Icon League in Dusseldorf on 19/11. "I felt that because of his behavior, the entire team suffered the consequences. It annoyed others, whether opponents, referees, or spectators".

According to Kroos, he was not the only one who felt this way. Inside the dressing room, Real Madrid players also clearly felt the negative impact Vinicius created from his on-field arguments. "We felt that everything was against the entire team because of what happened around him", the 2014 World Cup winner added.

Vinicius has often provoked opponents, referees, and spectators during matches. The 25-year-old star was also frequently provoked by opponents and fans, sometimes facing racial discrimination. He once cried in a press conference while discussing these issues.

Kroos stated that he often tried to help his younger teammate remain calm during matches, especially when Vinicius showed signs of losing emotional control. "I calmed Vinicius down many times on the field, so he wouldn't lose his composure", the 35-year-old former midfielder said. "I always told Vinicius that he was so good he didn't need all that".

By Hoang An (Source: AS)