Toni Kroos has revealed his decision to retire from football after the 2024 European Championship.
Kroos announced via Instagram in a lengthy statement, where he appreciated the fans and reiterated his career ambition.
The German international is still churning out magnificent performances, however, he has decided that this is the perfect time to hang up his boots.
The decision of Toni Kroos has left fans stunned, with many beckoning on him to continue accentuating his brilliance in the round leather game.
Toni Kroos Post on Instagram Revealing His Decision To Retire From Football
Anyway, Kroos’ lengthy statement on Instagram reads: “July 17th, 2014 – the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life.
“My life as a footballer – but especially as a person. It was the start of a new chapter at the biggest club in the world.”
The former Bayern Munich player additionally sent his appreciation to those who have contributed to his stellar career, writing:
“After 10 years, at the end of the season, this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget that insolent successful time! I would particularly like to thank everyone that welcomed me with an open heart and trusted me.”
He appreciated the fans for the support they have offered to him over the years, saying:
“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”.
The 34-year-old also maintained his commitment towards retiring at Real Madrid, writing: “as I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club”.
In culminating his statement, Toni Kroos shared that he has opted to retire at the right time, with Real Madrid’s hunt for a 15th Champions League title firmly on his mind.
He wrote: “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!”.
Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos was part of the German squad that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and he has remained consistent ever since he began his professional career.
Kroos is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders ever, and he is renowned for his vision, passing, creativity, crossing, and set-piece ability.
The midfielder played for just three teams in his career, namely; Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and Real Madrid.
Toni Kroos was born in Greifswald, East Germany, and he has made 716 club career appearances, scoring 62 goals and providing 160 assists across all competitions.
Internationally, Kroos has made 108 appearances for Germany, scoring 17 goals and providing 21 assists in all competitions.
His last game for Real Madrid will be the UEFA Champions League final, and he will be aiming to help Los Blancos win the crown.
Germany will also hope that the midfielder delineates brilliance at the 2024 European Championship – a tournament that will be hosted by the European nation.
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.
His departure means that he will become the second player in the Kroos-Casemiro-Modric trident to exit Real Madrid, as Carlos Henrique Casemiro exited the team in 2022 to join Manchester United.
Luka Modric remains the only player from that trio still at the Santiago Bernabeu, although his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2024.
