Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus claims his former clubshould never have sold Toni Kroos to Real Madrid in 2014.
Kroos was a product of the Bayern academy and was promoted to the first team at only 17-years-old. And according to Sportbild viaGoal, Matthaus has said that's where he should have stayed.
The midfielder went on two make over 200 senior appearances for the Bavarian club and help them win numerous trophies - including three Bundesliga titles and the 2012-13 Champions League.
However, despite Kroos taking the right steps to fulfil his enormous potential, Bayern sanctioned his sale, due to their reluctance to meet the terms that the player felt he was worth.
Real Madrid swooped in and signed the player for around £25m and the Germany international has been a huge success - helping Los Blancos win the Champions League last year as well as the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Kroos has emerged as one of the best midfielders in the world and Germany legend Matthaus has expressed his disappointment with his former club's mistake.
He said:I still can't understand why they couldn't reach an agreement. A big raise would have been justified given his performances on the field.
Kroos is a key cog in Real Madrid's midfield. He fit perfectly into an excellent team and has the confidence of everyone around him. Kroos was right to go abroad. It was like winning the lottery.�
Matthaus also believes that Kroos is the best midfielder around.He added: For me, Kroos is the best midfielder around at the moment.
I don't see anyone on his level. He's been the boss with the national team. If I could find just one weakness I'd say it's his lack of goals. He could shoot more often. With Zidane, who used to play in a similar position, as his coach he could be given a more attacking role.�