Toni Kroos: Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo Juventus Sale 'Made Everyone Happy'

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos believes the club's decision to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus last summer "made everyone happy." 

The Portuguese forward made the surprise move to Italy after spending nine years at Los Blancos, with whom he became the club's all-time record goalscorer.

While Madrid endured a torrid term following the departure of their star man, Kroos told SportBild that, at the time, the choice made sense for all parties (h/t Daniel Lewis of Goal).

"It would be strange if you didn't miss someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has decided so many matches with his goals," he said. "His transfer, however, made everyone happy. He wanted a new experience and Real Madrid earned a lot of money."

Ronaldo went on to have a positive first season with Juventus, netting 21 times and grabbing eight assists in 31 Serie A appearances. The 34-year-old was key in the Bianconeri once again dominating the Italian top flight and coasting to the title by an 11-point margin.

However, the Juventus No. 7 didn't end the campaign at the top of the domestic goalscoring charts, as he did so frequently for Real Madrid:

Although Juventus were eliminated in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by Ajax, Ronaldo had a memorable night in the last 16 against Atletico Madrid:

Los Blancos failed to bring in a like-for-like replacement for Ronaldo, and the team suffered as a result.

Not only did they lack a decisive influence in the final third, but the team were also devoid of leadership from the dugout following the departure of Zinedine Zidane in the same summer. Julen Lopetegui was sacked early in his tenure, while his replacement, Santiago Solari, was also dismissed before the end of the season.

In an attempt to remedy their slide, Madrid brought back Zidane for a second spell as manager, and the club has backed him with some big spending in this transfer window. Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Ferland Mendy have already arrived:

Per Bleacher Report's Dean Jones, they don't look like the only Spanish giant that will spend huge money this summer:

While Los Blancos haven't made any major midfield additions to compete with the likes of Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro, there is continued speculation linking them with a move for Manchester United's Paul Pogba.

Per the Spanish Football Podcast, Donny van de Beek is also on their radar:

Like the vast majority of Madrid's star players, Kroos was below his best last term. Those who frequent the Santiago Bernabeu will hope a full pre-season working with Zidane can be a catalyst for the German's return to form.

For Kroos, who thrives when there's movement ahead of him on the field, having potent forwards like Jovic and Hazard in the team should improve his game. Now 29, the playmaker will be keen to make the most of the remaining peak years of his career.