The German midfielder moved to the Bernabeu in 2014 shortly after starring in his country’s World Cup win in Brazil that summer.
And after winning back-to-back Champions League titles and wrestling the La Liga trophy off Barcelona’s hands, Kroos has more than delivered on his £24m fee.
Kroos told the German Football Association: ‘My change of team was correct, in fact, from my point of view there is no doubt about it.
‘Clearly, if you go abroad to a top club, it means one more step in your development.
‘Carlo Ancelotti wanted me in Madrid, and had bet on me.’
The 27-year-old left eight years after first signing up with the academy, and spent only one season working with Pep Guardiola.
But Kroos was full of praise for the Manchester City boss and what he learned under his tutelage: ‘I wouldn’t undervalue my year under Pep Guardiola because I think I made a big step forward in that year.
‘Pep Guardiola saw me as a central player in his system, which my style of play fit into perfectly.’
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