The legendary German midfielder Toni Kroos of Real Madrid revealed today that he will be retiring from all football-related activities following the 2024 European Championship, adding to the growing number of farewells in the game these days.
The master of midfield also stated that his final match for Real Madrid will be against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League Final.
The 34-year-old Kroos, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany, said on Instagram, “My career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship.” Throughout his illustrious career, Kroos has won five UEFA Champions League championships with Real Madrid and his previous team, Bayern Munich. He has also won the FIFA World Cup, which he won with Germany in 2014.
Kroos won three Bundesliga
The German was lured to Madrid in 2014 to play at the Santiago Bernabeu, and he went on to become one of the greatest midfielders in history with the help of players like his new midfield partner-in-crime, Luka Modric. Kroos “will go down in Real Madrid history as one of our club and international football’s greatest legends,” the Real Madrid statement reads on their website.
During his remarkable career, Kroos won three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich and four La Liga crowns with Real Madrid.
Before making a stunning comeback for Germany this year ahead of the EURO 2024, Kroos did submit his name for retirement from international duty back in 2021. This is not the first time the German player has considered retirement to some extent.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who is tasked with rebuilding the historically successful team that has underperformed on the big stage in recent times, requested that the midfielder, who has not played for the national team in the last three years due to their Euro exit, return to the squad.
However, following yet another incredible season for Real Madrid, it appears that the maestro has made up his mind to hang up his boots once and for all, in accordance with his personal intention to retire at the peak of his career.
“Real Madrid is and will always be my last club, as I have always stated. In his Instagram post, Kroos said, “I am happy and proud that I could choose it by myself and that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision.”
“I always wanted to end my career performing at the highest possible level.”
