Toni Kroos Named British 60k-Seater as Stadium with the Best Atmosphere

· GiveMeSport

Toni Kroos played in the best stadiums in world football for Germany, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich - but one British ground blew him away.

Toni Kroos shocked world football by announcing that he would be hanging up his boots following Euro 2024 in his home country, Germany. Still only 36 now, the midfield maestro was one of the very best players on the planet when he retired.

Throughout his trophy-laden career, which saw him claim six Champions League titles, a World Cup and multiple league titles in Germany and Spain, Kroos played in the biggest and best stadiums around the globe . From hostile European nights to the most revered historical footballing venues in the world, the German saw it all.

Toni Kroos chose his all-time teammates XI and it included a number of Real Madrid legends along with some lesser-known names.

However, the one that stood out the most to the engine room general was actually one of the most famous grounds in the United Kingdom. Speaking in 2022, Kroos declared he'd found 'a new number one' stadium after a Champions League encounter.

Real Madrid travelled to Glasgow in Scotland to face Celtic during the 2022/23 season. Celtic Park - also known as Parkhead - is renowned for its electric atmosphere for big European clashes despite the Hoops' struggles to advance past the Champions League group stage over the past two decades.

A star-studded Los Blancos line-up, including the likes of Vinicius Junior , Karim Benzema and Luka Modric , took to the field for the group stage match. Kroos was struck by the atmosphere that night , telling El Espanol (per The Sun):

> "I was being asked several times which (away) stadium is my favourite. And there is a new number one, I can tell you! Celtic Park. It has been just crazy! We came out, and the atmosphere was good."

Continuing to express his awe at the noise created at the Glasgow-based stadium, he said:

> "The Champions League anthem started, and I thought the stadium was going to collapse. Unbelievable. I had never experienced anything like that."

Kroos even went as far as telling Real Madrid teammate David Alaba that he felt his side were at a huge disadvantage before the whistle had even blown. Proving the supporters in the stands can make a huge difference, he added:

> "After the game, everyone applauded. Totally Celtic, of course, but nothing hostile or disrespectful. That was very, very, impressive. > > "When we lined up for the team picture, I told David Alaba that it feels like we are already 0-2 down. Just insane!"

Despite his reservations before kick-off, the Spanish giants emerged victorious as goals from Vinicius Junior, Modric, and Eden Hazard sealed a 3-0 victory. Celtic Park has impressed many top players over the years, which should be no surprise, with the historic ground boasting one of the best atmospheres around .

Read the original

People in this story

Related