Toni Kroos, the Real Madrid and Germany midfielder, has announced his retirement plans, stating that he will step down from professional football after the upcoming summer’s European Championship.
Kroos, who has had a distinguished career with both his club and national team, will conclude his playing days following this major tournament.
The 34-year-old is to hang up his boots after a trophy-laden decade at the Bernabéu. He wrote on Instagram:
“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.
“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 by my own.
My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level.”
Despite reports in Spain suggesting Toni Kroos would receive a new contract offer from Real Madrid alongside Luka Modric, Kroos has decided to retire after the European Championship this summer.
The 2014 World Cup winner, who returned to international duty to play in Euro 2024 hosted by Germany, has chosen to end his career following the tournament.
Toni Kroos, signed from Bayern Munich, made 463 appearances for Real Madrid, winning 21 trophies. His achievements with the club include four Champions League titles, five Club World Cups, and four La Liga titles.
The Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, said in a club statement:
“Toni Kroos is one of the greatest players in the history of Real Madrid and this club is and will always be his home.”
