The football icon Toni Kroos of Real Madrid has declared that he will step away from the game after Germany's 2024 European campaign.
One of the most decorated players in contemporary football, the 34-year-old midfielder, ended an era when he announced his decision in an emotional Instagram statement.
Toni Kroos to retire from football
According to reports earlier this month, Kroos and Real Madrid were close to reaching an agreement on a contract extension that would have kept him at the Santiago Bernabeu through the 2024–2025 season.
But Kroos has made the decision to put up his boots and will make his last appearance at the forthcoming European Championship on home soil.
“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. After 10 years, at the end of the season, this chapter comes to an end,” Toni Kroos confirmed.
“I will never forget that insolently successful time! I would particularly like to thank everyone who 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.
Kroos joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2014 and has since enjoyed a trophy-laden decade with Los Blancos. His honours include four Champions League titles, four La Liga titles, and a total of 21 trophies.
Known for his exceptional vision, passing accuracy, and composure, Kroos has been a pivotal figure in Real Madrid’s midfield.
The German international will have one last opportunity to add to his European haul when Real Madrid faces Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on June 1. This match will mark Kroos’s final appearance in the famous white shirt of Real Madrid.
As Toni Kroos prepares to bid farewell to his club career, fans and teammates alike will celebrate the legacy of a player who has left an indelible mark on football. His decision to retire at the peak of his performance is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his desire to leave the sport on his terms.
