In the world of sports, there are only a few stars who have been able to display greatness beyond the diameters of their sport and Roger Federer is simply one among them. Be it tennis or any other sport, the Swiss legend has always received great recognition and has been a true inspiration to many. So much so, that even the legends from different sports get compared to the 20-time grand slam winner. The same case happened with a legendary soccer star who recently got compared to the former world number 1 by Juan Roman Riquelme, the president of Boca Juniors.
He came ahead and made a stark comparison while highlighting why the Real Madrid legend is the closest thing to Federer. While talking about the ease that Fed brought in his matches, Riquelme believes this player is a lot like him.
Boca Juniors president reveals the player he found closest to Roger Federer
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In a recent revelation, Boca Juniors President Juan Roman Riquelme came ahead and paid a unique compliment to German football star Toni Kroos. He compared his playing style to tennis legend Roger Federer. Riquelme admires Kroos for his smooth and effortless approach on the field, much like Federer’s finesse on the tennis court.
According to Riquelme, Kroos stands out for his ability to navigate the game with grace, avoiding unnecessary roughness. The Argentine football legend praises Kroos for his clean and composed style while suggesting how he plays without getting too physical.
“He is the closest thing to Federer, they can play ball and go home without bathing. It’s incredible. He plays ball, he doesn’t throw himself at his feet, he doesn’t get dirty, he doesn’t sweat,” said Riquelme while talking about the Real Madrid star.
Mirad qué halago de Riquelme a @ToniKroos:
"Es lo más parecido a Federer, pueden jugar a la pelota e irse a casa sin bañarse. Es increíble. Él juega a la pelota, no se tira a los pies, no se ensucia, no suda"
Y también elogia a Bellingham y Carvajalpic.twitter.com/FvXOVWaDCG
— Madrid Sports (@MadridSports_) February 15, 2024
For Riquelme, Kroos represents a special blend of skill and a unique mindset. This is pretty much similar to the unmatched elegance of Roger Federer in the world of tennis.
While Riquelme compared Kroos with the likes of Federer, there was a time when the German international got a chance to meet the Swiss superstar. However, Kroos suggested that he forgot his own identity upon meeting the 20-time grand slam winner.
Toni Kroos reflects on meeting Federer for the first time in his career
It was back in 2015 when Kroos got the chance to meet Federer for the first time. Kroos, who was a little bit nervous revealed that he forgot that he was Toni Kroos. Adding further to his experience, he suggested that it was really nice that he got to meet Federer.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“It was special to me, it was the first time I met Roger Federer. I have to honestly say I forgot myself, I forgot Toni Kroos, because I was really a bit nervous. That was always one of the things. I was happy at first, not that it was not nice. I was looking forward to it because I thought he was relatively closer to me. Like a preview of the meeting for me,” Kroos said.
Ausserdem alles zum Kennenlernen mit Roger Federer, das große Acai Bowl-Treffen und einen tollen (zumindestens für mich) London Trip. Dazu alles zur ersten Playoff Runde der NBA mit Meistertipps! @ApplePodcasts➡️ https://t.co/RivuIeTZRG @SpotifyDE ➡️ https://t.co/hyi29ysUjA https://t.co/6iYT81pXzm pic.twitter.com/3fHJOZBT7E
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) August 24, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Thus Kroos came ahead and reflected the charisma that Federer carried with him. Despite being a world-class talent, even the Real Madrid star forgot his real identity when it came to meeting the Swiss legend.
Watch this story: Legendary Boxer Mike Tyson’s debut and iconic Williams sisters’ tennis photos sold for $ 30,000