(Football news) But after this summer’s Euros, which are being contested in his home country of Germany,
Kroos has made the decision to hang up his boots and end his great career.
Encountered by many as one of the greatest midfielders of his time, Kroos will play his
farewell Champions League match for Real Madrid on June 1 at Wembley Stadium against
Borussia Dortmund.
The midfield player announced his retirement plans and departure from Los Blancos on
Instagram, writing, “After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end.” I
will always remember that arrogant period of triumph!
“I would particularly like to thank everyone that welcomed me with an open heart and trusted
me. But especially I would like to thank you, dear Madridistas, for your affection and your
love from the first day until the last one.
“At the same time this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this
summer after the Euro championship. As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my
last club.
“I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I
could choose it by my own.
“My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level. From now
on there is only one leading thought: a por la 15!!! HALA MADRID Y NADA MAS!”
A statement from Real Madrid on their official website read: “Real Madrid would like to
express its gratitude and affection to Toni Kroos, a player who will go down in Real Madrid
history as one of our club and international football’s greatest legends.
Toni Kroos will remain forever in the hearts of every Madridista thanks to his mastery of the
game and the fact he has given his all for our jersey, a steady example of the values of Real
Madrid.
“Real Madrid wishes he and his family the best of luck in this new chapter of his life.”
Los Blancos president Florentino Perez added: “Toni Kroos is one of the great players in Real
Madrid history and this club will always be his home.”
With the German powerhouse Bayern Munich, where he started his professional career in
2007, Kroos made 205 appearances in all competitions, with 24 goals and 49 assists.
The midfield player, who previously played on loan for Bayern Leverkusen during the
2009–10 season, won three Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokals, and one Champions League
while playing for Bayern before joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2014 following his
country’s World Cup victory.
Kroos has amassed 28 goals and 98 assists in 463 appearances throughout his incredible
10-year tenure at the Bernabeu. He has also won 22 trophies, including four Champions
Leagues, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups, four La Liga championships, one
Copa del Rey, and four Spanish Super Cups.
In order to cap out his time at the team on a positive note, Kroos hopes to win another
Champions League trophy at the beginning of June. This season, he assisted Carlo Ancelotti’s
team in winning the La Liga title.
In addition, the midfield player has received 108 caps for Germany to date. Julian
Nagelsmann, the head coach, convinced him to return from international retirement in time
for Euro 2024, the tournament in which he would ultimately play his last game.
Also read: Manchester City manager says he’s close to leaving than staying
