Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos retires from football
Toni Kroos, the midfielder for Real Madrid, is getting ready for his farewell game for the Spanish powerhouse on June 1 at Wembley when they play Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final.
After this game, Kroos will play for Germany at Euro 2024, which Die Mannschaft will host on home turf.
Real Madrid and Kroos have mutually decided to split up when his contract expires this summer. He has declared that he is unexpectedly retiring from professional football early as a result of this choice.
The 34-year-old posted on Instagram, stating, "The day that transformed my life was July 17, 2014, the day I gave my presentation at Real Madrid. My football career, but more importantly, my personal life. It was the beginning of a new chapter at the biggest club in the world.
"This story ends at the end of the season, after ten years. I'll never forget that arrogant period of triumph! In particular, I want to thank everyone who trusted me and showed me such warmth. I want to thank you, Madridistas, in particular, for your love and affection from the first to the last day.
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 choice at the appropriate moment and that I was able to do it in my own.
"I always wanted to end my career performing at the highest possible level. There is only going to be one main idea going forward: a por la 15!
Before moving to Real Madrid in 2014, immediately after Germany won the World Cup, Kroos progressed through the ranks at Bayern Munich, earning three league and cup doubles.
He has been instrumental in helping Madrid win four LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns, with the total number of wins still potentially rising this season.
"Toni Kroos is one of the greatest players in Real Madrid history, and this club is and will always be his home," declared Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid.