Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos raised eyebrows earlier this week with criticism of Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.Kroos can’t understand why Aubameyang has previously celebrated goals by wearing a mask.For example, when the Gabonese striker scored against Rennes in the Europa League last season and celebrated by wearing a Black Panther mask.Aubameyang also wore several different masks after scoring goals during his time with Borussia Dortmund, including a Spiderman mask.Kroos, who faced Aubameyang in the Bundesliga when he was a Bayern Munich player, has described such celebrations as ‘very silly’ and ‘nonsense’ while also questioning the striker’s status as a role model.
“If there are rehearsed dances or choreographies, I find it very silly,” Kroos told his Einfach mal Luppen podcast, per The Mirror.
“Even worse is if there are any objects hidden in their socks.
"Aubameyang once celebrated and took out a mask. That's where it ends with me.
“I don't think that's a good role model, either. What nonsense.
“What I always found sweet was Gerd Muller. He just jumped up, pulled up his pants. That was real joy, nothing big.”
After hearing what Kroos had reportedly said, Aubameyang sent the midfielder a tweet saying: “Hmm i want to answer but First @ToniKroos i just want to be sure if it was really you?”
One hour later - presumably after realising the quotes were genuine - the Arsenal captain sent Kroos another tweet.
“By the way Does this @ToniKroos have Kids?
“Just to remember i did it for my son few Times and i will do it again.
“I wish you have Kids one day and make them happy like this Junior School pupils.”
Alongside his tweet, Aubameyang sent a photo of a youngster's drawing pinned to a fence.
The child had drawn Aubameyang - their superhero - when asked to describe what happiness meant to them.
It’s a pretty good response - although some fans in the comments were quick to point out that Kroos does, in fact, have two children of his own.