Toni Kroos, the renowned Real Madrid midfielder, has decided to retire from football after participating in this summer’s European Championship with Germany. Kroos, 34, has been with Real Madrid since 2014, winning 22 trophies, including four Champions League titles and four LaLiga championships, along with an additional Champions League title with Bayern Munich. Although he considered retiring in 2022, he chose to continue for one more season but has now decided to end his career this summer.
“After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end,” Toni announced on Instagram. He expressed his gratitude to those who supported him, especially the Madridistas. “I am happy and proud that I found the right timing for my decision,” he said, underscoring his aim to retire while still performing at his best.
Toni also announced his return to international football with Germany in February, having retired from the national team in 2021. His decision to retire from club football has caught many by surprise, including those within the Real Madrid camp.
Real Madrid, who recently clinched the LaLiga title, will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1. Despite the unexpected news, the club has expressed its deep appreciation for Kroos’s contributions. “We thought he’d stay, but we’re forever grateful,” a club source told ESPN.
In a special episode of his podcast “Einfach mal Luppen,” Kroos elaborated on his decision, saying, “I’ve been thinking about it for months, and it’s what I want. … I want you to remember that I went out at my best.”
Real Madrid issued a statement celebrating Kroos’s impact on the club, stating, “Toni Kroos arrived at our club in 2014 and has been a fundamental player in one of the most successful periods in Real Madrid’s history.”
Kroos began his professional career with Bayern Munich, making his debut in September 2007 and winning the Champions League in 2013 before joining Real Madrid. He became a key part of Madrid’s legendary midfield trio with Luka Modric and Casemiro. Throughout his career, Kroos always maintained, “I won’t go anywhere else. I’ll retire here.”
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