Toni Kroos, the midfielder for both Real Madrid and the German national team, has declared his intention to retire following this summer’s European Championship.
The 34-year-old, who has enjoyed a successful 10-year tenure with Real Madrid, winning five Champions League titles with the club, announced his decision via Instagram on Tuesday afternoon.
He stated, “As I have always maintained: Real Madrid is and will remain my final club.”“On July 17th, 2014, the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, marked a turning point in my life. It transformed not just my career as a footballer, but also me as a person. It signaled the beginning of a new journey at the world’s biggest club.
After a decade, this chapter draws to a close at the end of the season. I’ll forever cherish this incredibly successful period! I extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who embraced me warmly and placed their trust in me.
Most importantly, I want to express my gratitude to you, dear Madridistas, for your unwavering support and love from day one till the very end.“At the same time, this decision signifies the conclusion of my active footballing career after the Euro championship this summer.
As I’ve consistently stated, Real Madrid is and will forever be my final club. I’m content and proud that I’ve discerned the right moment for my decision and had the autonomy to make it myself.
My aspiration was always to conclude my career at the pinnacle of my performance.“From this point forward, there’s only one prevailing thought: onwards to the 15th! HALA MADRID Y NADA MAS!”Real Madrid has issued a statement expressing gratitude and admiration for Toni Kroos, acknowledging his significant contribution to the club’s success over the past decade.
The statement reads:“Real Madrid extends its heartfelt gratitude and affection to Toni Kroos, a player who has etched his name into the annals of Real Madrid’s history and stands as one of the iconic figures of our club and global football.
“Toni Kroos joined our ranks in 2014 and has been a cornerstone player during one of the most triumphant periods in Real Madrid’s 122-year history.
Throughout his ten seasons representing our crest and jersey, he has amassed an impressive tally of 22 titles in 463 appearances to date: including 4 UEFA Champions League trophies, 5 FIFA Club World Cups, 4 UEFA Super Cups, 4 La Liga titles, 1 Copa del Rey, and 4 Spanish Super Cups.
In addition to his remarkable achievements with Real Madrid, Toni Kroos also clinched the FIFA World Cup title with the German national team at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
They stated: “Toni Kroos will always be cherished by Madrid supporters for his superb football skills and his dedication to the team’s jersey, consistently embodying Real Madrid’s values.” Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid’s president, affirmed that “Toni Kroos stands among the legendary players in Real Madrid’s history, and this club will forever be his home.
Kroos also had a successful seven-year tenure at Bayern Munich from 2007 to 2014, securing three Bundesliga championships, three German Cups, and a Champions League title during his time there.
