Beckenbauer: Kroos? Playing for Real Madrid is Priceless

Bayern Munich's honorary president Franz Beckenbauer has lamented Toni Kroos' departure from the Bavarian club to join Real Madrid – but he considers that playing for Los Blancos is a "priceless experience."

German newspaper Bild confirmed on Wednesday that Kroos will be a Real player once the World Cup is over as he will sign a five-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until the end of the 2018/19 season for €6m (£4.7m) per season – an increase of at least €1m (£800,000) on the midfielder's current salary at the Bundesliga side.

Beckenbauer, who led Germany to the World Cup in 1974, told DFB: "As honorary president of Bayern I regret his departure. If Toni Kroos leaves, we have lost a player of absolutely world-class.

"In a career there is also a future. And if it is an experience abroad, going to a club like Real Madrid is priceless."

Kroos - who has rejected a new deal at Bayern - has been a permanent fixture in Joachim Low's German team at the World Cup, but was not a consistent member in Pep Guardiola's Bayern starting XI during the previous campaign.

Reports in Spain claimed that Guardiola gave his approval for the sale of midfielder to Madrid as he does not want him in his side next season due to Kroos' refusal to renew his contract – even though initially Bayern had no intention of negotiating the sale of the player.

Earlier this week, the midfielder came out and confirmed that he has made a decision and it will be revealed after the World Cup in a week's time, saying: "I have made my decision. First I want to play the World Cup. Once it is over, I will make my decision public. There is still a week left to go."