Toni Kroos announces retirement: end of an era for Real Madrid and the German National Team
This is major news for both Real Madrid and the German national team: Toni Kroos, at 34 years old, has officially announced that he will retire at the end of the ongoing 2023-2024 season. This unexpected revelation comes as Real Madrid was considering offering him a contract extension, but Kroos had different plans for his future.
Although he had been absent from the German national team, the midfielder has decided to come out of international retirement to participate in Euro 2024, hosted in Germany.
However, it will also mark the definitive end of his career. On Tuesday, Kroos shared this news himself through an official message.
Toni Kroos announced the significant news on his Instagram account. After spending ten years at Real Madrid, the former Bayern Munich player is ending his journey with the club and his football career simultaneously.
He reflected on his career, stating, «July 17, 2014, the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life. My life as a footballer – but most importantly as a person. It was the beginning of a new chapter in the greatest club in the world. After 10 years, at the end of the season, this chapter is coming to an end. I will never forget this bold and successful period! I want to especially thank all the people who welcomed me with open hearts and trusted me. But most of all, I want to thank you, dear Madrid fans, for your affection and love from the first to the last day».
Kroos continued to explain his decision: «At the same time, this decision means that my active football career will end this summer after the Euro. I am happy and proud to have found the right moment in my mind for my decision and to have been able to choose it myself. My ambition has always been to end my career at the peak of my performance. Now, there is only one guiding thought: a por la 15!!! HALA MADRID Y NADA MÁS ».
