‘Told Him’: Toni Kroos takes aim at Vinicius Jr’s behaviour

Former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has issued a strong warning to his ex-teammate Vinicius Jr over his hot-headed antics on the pitch.

Vinicius made headlines in last month’s El Clasico match against Barcelona as he reacts angrily to being substituted. The 25-year-old shouted “always me” towards Real manager Xabi Alonso following his withdrawal after 72 minutes, before adding “I’m leaving the team, it’s better if I leave, I’m leaving.”

Following the game, the Brazilian issued an apology to Los Blancos’ supporters but failed to mention his coach Alonso, whom he is reported to have a strained relationship with.

While the debate continues to swirl regarding Vinicius’ behaviour and relationship with Alonso, Kroos revealed he tried to keep the former Flamengo ace in check when they were team-mates, owing to a feeling that his conduct was causing the club to “suffer”.

Vinicius Junior interacts with teammate Toni Kroos during their time at Real Madrid. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

In quotes carried by Spanish publication AS, the 35-year-old said at The Icon League, a Germany-based five-a-side football tournament he co-founded: “At that time, I told him many times that he’d had enough, because you get the feeling that, due to his behaviour, the team ends up suffering. It’s understandable that he might annoy an opponent, a referee, or the crowd.

“As a team, you get the impression that everything is working against the group because of what’s happening around him. I’ve tried many times to calm him down on the pitch, especially so he wouldn’t lose his composure, because sometimes that happened. I always told him, ‘You’re so good you don’t need all that’.”

Kroos spent ten years at Real Madrid and lifted 22 trophies including five Champions League titles with the Spanish heavyweights, making 465 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Vinicius has ensured criticism from fans does not affect his play. The Brazilian attacker has scored five goals and recorded four assists in La Liga this term.