Toni Kroos, a midfielder for Real Madrid, stated on Tuesday that he will be retiring from football after representing Germany in the European Championship this summer.
Since joining Real Madrid in 2014, Kroos, 34, has won 22 trophies, including four Champions Leagues, one with Bayern Munich, and four LaLiga crowns.
The midfield player decided to conclude his career this summer after initially expressing interest in retiring in 2022 and then deciding to go on for another season.
“This chapter comes to an end at the end of the season, after ten years,” Kroos wrote on Instagram.
“I would particularly like to thank everyone that 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.
“In addition, this choice means that I will not be playing football after the European Championship this summer. Real Madrid is and will always be my final club, as I have always stated. I am pleased and glad that I was able to make my own decision and that I was able to determine the appropriate time for it in my thoughts. My goal has always been to conclude my career performing at my highest level.”
Prior to the Euros in February, Kroos, who had previously retired from international service in 2021, made an announcement about his return to Germany’s national football team.
A person close to the dressing room told ESPN, “We suspected that some people knew [his decision], but it’s still taken us by surprise.” “The truth is, he’s irreplaceable.”
This season, Real Madrid won La Liga, and on June 1 at Wembley, they will play Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final.
