The retirement announcement of Toni Kroos has evoked massive reactions from many, including football fans, teammates, ex-teammates, and several oppositions.
Kroos announced on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, that he will be retiring from football after the 2024 European Championship, a revelation that has sent shivers down the spine of many associated with football.
Toni Kroos has had a stellar career, accentuating brilliance at the top level and winning several immense trophies.
The 34-year-old appears like a footballer, who has got a few years of prime football left in him.
However, he has chosen to bow out from the round leather game at this “right time”, having made 716 club career appearances thus far, scoring 62 goals and providing 160 assists in all competitions.
Kroos has also made 108 appearances for Germany, scoring 17 goals and providing 21 assists across all competitions.
Toni Kroos has already won one trophy (La Liga) this campaign, and he also has his sight on the UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid.
Additionally, the former Bayern Munich man is keen on ending his time with Germany on a high, with the European nation aiming to win the 2024 European Championship on home soil.
Colleagues Shower Toni Kroos With Hearty Messages After Announcing His Retirement From Football
Meanwhile, Kroos played alongside and against several star players, and some of his colleagues have taken time out to display their appreciation to him on this auspicious day.
Football great Cristiano Ronaldo, who did exploits with Kroos at Real Madrid wrote:
“Thanks for everything, Toni!
What an honor to share the pitch with you. All the best for the future!”
Vinicius Jr was also appreciative of the impact Toni Kroos has had on his career, as he duly offered his gratitude by writing:
“Thank you for every pass, for every guidance, and for allowing me to learn so much in these years. We love you!”
Legendary Spanish defender Sergio Ramos lauded Kroos, tagging him as one of the best footballers ever.
Ramos wrote on Instagram: “To my bro Antonio, it’s been a joy to share so many special moments and successes with such a unique player and exceptional person, one of the best.
Welsh great Gareth Bale sent congratulatory messages to Toni Kroos, writing: “Congratulations on an amazing career. A pleasure to play alongside you!”
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes, who has played against Kroos in the past with Portugal wrote:
“One of the best in this generation. What a pleasure it was seeing you play all these years.”
Youngster Jude Bellingham, who certainly would have received some lessons in midfield from the pass master simply shared a heartbroken emoji accompanied by a goat emoji, indicating that the German is one of the greatest players to ever play the round leather game.
Ex-Real Madrid man Isco, who currently plays for Real Betis also shared a brief statement which reads: “So sad my friend. But you have completed the game.”
Casemiro, Luka Modric Send Lovely Messages To Toni Kroos
Luka Modric also shared an emotional post on Instagram, expressing that he is “sad” Toni Kroos is retiring.
Excerpt from a lengthy statement posted by the footballer reads:
“Dear Toni, It is difficult for me to write these words. The world of football is sad because a historic footballer is leaving, and I admit that I am also very sad. Friend, you are a legend of this sport and a legend of Real Madrid.”
Modric added: “I have really enjoyed playing alongside you. It truly has been an honor to share the Real Madrid midfield with you.”
Casemiro, whose combination with Luka Modric and Kroos was pivotal to the success of Los Blancos for several years also wrote:
“My dear Toni, champion teammate and friend forever. You’ve known when to say goodbye, so look back proudly and smile: you’ve earned it.”
He concluded a lengthy statement with the words which reads:
“Little more, good friend. It has been a pleasure being by your side. Be happy.”
Federico Valverde’s Emotional Message To Kroos
Federico Valverde’s message to the German footballer on Instagram was really touching, as he indicated that he was privileged to play with his idol, Toni Kroos.
Valverde in an enormous statement wrote:
“That boy fulfilled his dream and played with the player he always had as an idol. Today with a strange feeling and a lump in my throat, I know that that child would have liked to play with you for ten more years, and so would I, Toni. Because I never stopped being that child who always admired you.
“I’ve been thinking about this letter all day and I don’t think I ever told you, and I don’t know if I could do it personally, but I want you to know; I love you and a part of who I am is thanks to you.”
Al Ittihad forward Karim Benzema also put out a brief post on Instagram which reads: “It’s been such a huge pleasure, such a high-class player”, and he accompanied the post with a white heart emoji and the word “legend” with a hashtag.
In addition, Rodrygo Goes posted a lengthy statement on Instagram, which an excerpt of it reads:
“Thank you very much for every lesson, goal, assist, all the titles we won together, and for everything you have done in football.
“This is very sad news for Real Madrid fans and all of us who love football. We will miss not seeing your class again.”
Rodrygo ended his long statement by appreciating the footballer and congratulating him for his sublime career.
Toni Kroos has won several trophies in his career, including; 1 FIFA World Cup, 7 League crowns (3 Bundesliga and 4 La Liga), alongside 5 UEFA Champions League titles.
