Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has announced that he will retire from football after Germany’s Euro 2024 campaign. Earlier this month, reports suggested that Kroos was close to agreeing on a contract extension with Real Madrid, which would have kept him at Santiago Bernabeu for the 2024-25 season. However, the 34-year-old has confirmed that he will end his professional career, with his final appearance on home soil during this summer’s European Championship.
Kroos made his decision known through an emotional statement on Instagram. He wrote, “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 ten years, this chapter ends at the end of the season. I will never forget that insolent successful time! I want 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 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 on 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: go for 15!!! HALA MADRID AND NOTHING MORE!”
Kroos has won an impressive 21 trophies while at Real Madrid. These include four Champions League titles and four La Liga titles, marking a highly successful tenure since he joined the club from Bayern Munich in 2014. Kroos’s contributions have been pivotal in Real Madrid’s success over the past decade.
As Kroos prepares for his final matches, he has one more opportunity to add to his trophy collection. Real Madrid will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on June 1, his last game wearing the iconic white shirt of Real Madrid. This match presents a chance for Kroos to secure one last major honor before he hangs up his boots.
Kroos’s retirement marks the end of an era for Real Madrid. His skill, vision, and leadership have made him a central figure at the club. Fans and teammates will remember his dedication and the many memorable moments he has provided. As he steps away from professional football, Kroos leaves a legacy of excellence and a collection of silverware that cements his place among the game’s greats.
The football world will watch as Toni Kroos bids farewell to Real Madrid and professional football. His final matches, especially the Champions League final and the European Championship will be fitting stages for one of the sport’s finest midfielders to conclude his illustrious career.
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