Toni Kroos makes SHOCK retirement announcement; Real Madrid star to hang up boots after...
Real madrid midfielder Toni Kroos will be retiring after Euro 2024 with Germany
Legendary Real Madrid and German midfielder Toni Kroos has announced he will be retiring from football after next month's European Championship. The 34-year-old midfielder took to his Instagram account to announce his decision which has come as a shock to fans.
Kroos joined Real Madrid in 2014 from Bayern Munich and went on to have a staggering career that most footballers can only dream of. However, his retirement comes amid reports that Madridwereoffering a one-year extension on his current contract.
"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,” Kroos wrote.
"After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget that insolent successful time! I would particularly like to thank everyonethat welcomedme 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."
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Real Madrid issue statement
Real Madrid confirmed the decision on its website and wished good luck to the German who had become "part of the history" of the club.
"Real Madrid CF announces that Toni Kroos has decided to end his career as a professional football player after Euro 2024."
"Real Madrid wants to express its gratitude and affection to Toni Kroos, a player who is already part of the history of Real Madrid and who is one of the great legends of our club and world football," read the statement.
As a Madrid player, Kroos won 22 titles in his 463 appearances which includes four European Cups, fiveClub World Cups, fourEuropean Super Cups, fourLaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey and four Spanish Super Cups.
Club president Florentino Perez said that Real Madrid will always be Kroos' home in the statement.
"Toni Kroos is one of the great players in the history of Real Madrid andthat thisclub is and will always be his home," said Perez.
Kroos, whoalready has five Champions League titles to his name, would be hoping to add a sixth one when he takes the field at Wembley on June 1 against Borussia Dortmund in the final.
Despite being in the final leg of his career, Kroos has been a pivotal part in Madrid's push for another UCL title. His assist to Vinicius Junior in the semifinal first leg against Bayern Munich was the key moment in the tie that helped the Los Blancos eventually prevail and book a final berth.
Apart from Real Madrid, Kroos will be in action for Germany as he came back from retirement to don the national jersey for the continental championship.
(With inputs from agencies)