Kroos: A predictable departure

Perhaps Toni Kroos was never truly a Bayern Munich player. Of course he signed the contract, wore the shirt and won titles but he wasn't quite the cherished star the same way as Philipp Lahm or Bastian Schweinsteiger. A footballer, but no footballing god perhaps.

Born in the northeast of Germany, Kroos was first picked up by Bayern Munich when he was playing for Hansa Rostock's youth team. Having then impressed in Bayern's youth ranks, he flirted with the first-team before agreeing to join Bayer Leverkusen for a year and a half. The 2009/10 season was his breakout year: 33 appearances, nine goals, 12 assists and with stock sufficiently risen, Bayern promoted him to the first team.

He contributed to the 2012/13 treble-winning season, but missed its climax due to a muscle tear, before reminding the footballing world of his quality to storm back into form last season - a near 92% pass accuracy in the Bundesliga and two World Cup semi-final goals in a campaign where he didn't miss a minute.

Ironically, in Kroos' last season at Bayern, his worst performance came against his new team. In the semi-final of the Champions League, Madrid tore Bayern apart in the second leg and Kroos suffered under heavy midfield pressure. For all of his passing magic, the biggest question mark surrounding Kroos' game is his ability to execute under pressure. His World Cup victory serves as the best possible response, as the midfielder showed signs of improved composure.

The same couldn't be said of his contract talks. The supposed back and forth between club and player reveals that Kroos knew, seemingly too well, just how far he had come. Bayern agreed, but they weren't willing to recognize it on paper.

For a 30-year-old Arjen Robben to be rewarded with a far greater pay-packet did nothing more than encourage Kroos' whispers of discontent to grow louder. The East German felt it was time his achievements be measured on a par with the Bayern's favorite (perhaps second depending on who you ask) Dutchman, amongst others, and interest from Madrid to Manchester grew. Kroos wanted more but Bayern weren't willing to give it to him.

Having long hovered on the border between local hero and important player, his decision to ask for more closed the gate permanently. And, Real Madrid promptly extended their hand to the recent World Cup champion.

Originally, the arrogance of youth looked foolhardy. Kroos had made strong improvements and was a key part of the Bayern cog, but he still had some way to go before he could wield the same clout as some of the more senior members of the squad. At 24, Kroos decided not to gather that ammunition in Munich.

After that success in Brazil, perhaps it is Bayern who now look more foolish - the club have refused bow to the whims of a World Cup winner. Then again, considering the prolonged nature of these talks and Bayern's smart business model, there is nothing surprising or even wrong about the Bavarians putting the club before the player. What lies ahead, could well be a season of reshuffling for Pep Guardiola. His midfield will be under great scrutiny, particularly after the signing of Spanish left back Juan Bernat - a move that may well allow Austrian David Alaba to be tested in defensive midfield, where he has excelled for his country.

Kroos' departure seemed inevitable, but in a different way to the Matthias Ginter's move to Borussia Dortmund. Kroos' decision to join Madrid was of course influenced by finance - they did what Bayern wouldn't and agreed to his demands - but it was also inevitable considering his confidence. Most top players who join or grow at Bayern end up staying, but Kroos' ambition always seemed destined to send him beyond Bavaria's borders in search of immortal footballing recognition.