'That was fun!' - Real Madrid star Toni Kroos aims jibe at Supercopa crowd in Saudi Arabia after being targeted by boos throughout victory over Atletico

The World Cup-winning former Germany international was targeted by terrace taunts having previously suggested that moves to the Middle East are “against football” – with ex-Real team-mates such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema having trodden that path.

Kroos has previously said: “It’s been said that they play ambitious football there, but it’s all about money. In the end, it’s a decision for money and against football. The lack of human rights, it would prevent me from going.” Fans in that part of the world are not prepared to forgive and forget, with Kroos finding that out during his latest outing for the Blancos.

Real prevailed 5-3 in a thrilling Supercopa clash with rivals Atletico, with that contest having been held in Saudi Arabia in four of the past five seasons. Kroos was able to have the last laugh, as the victory set up a final against Barcelona or Osasuna, and posted on social media in response to being booed: “That was fun today! Amazing crowd.”

Carlo Ancelotti said of the treatment his German midfielder received: “I don’t understand it, I don’t think Kroos understood it either.” Nobody in the Real Madrid camp will be overly concerned, with the Liga table toppers set to face Atletico again on January 18 in the last-16 of the Copa del Rey.