Although there was information about renewing his contract with Real Madrid, German midfielder Toni Kroos suddҽnly announced his retirement.

Fede Valverde to Toni Kroos: “When we were kids, we all had an idol. The one we admired, the one we saw on television and said to ourselves: “I want to be like him when I grow up”. And if we were children with a great imagination, we could dream that we were playing ball with this idol, who was far away, untouchable, difficult to reach. This child was me. This kid fulfilled his dream and played with the player he had always idolized. Today, with a strange feeling and a lump in my throat, I know that child would have loved to play with you for ten more years, and so would I, Toni. Because I never stopped being that child who always admired you. I’ve been thinking about writing this letter all day, and I don’t think I’ve ever told you, and I don’t know if I could do it personally, but I want you to know that I love you, and that part of what I am exists thanks to you. »

Toni Kroos will officially “hang up his shoes” after Euro 2024 – Photo: GETTY

On the evening of May 21, Toni Kroos made an announcement on social networks about his decision to retire. He wrote: “After 10 years with Real Madrid, everything will end. I want to specifically thank each person who welcomed me with an open heart and trust.

But most especially, I would like to thank Real Madrid fans for their endless love. My playing career will end after Euro 2024.”

This information was surprising because previously, some rumors also said that he was about to extend his contract with the Bernabeu team for another year.

To date, Toni Kroos has appeared in 463 matches for Real Madrid, scoring 28 goals and having 98 assists. He also won 4 Champions League titles, 4 La Liga titles and many other big and small titles with the club.

In the immediate future, Toni Kroos will have the opportunity to play one last time with Real Madrid in the Champions League final on June 2, against rival Dortmund. It was also an opportunity for him to win the final title with the Spanish royal team.

Before coming to Real, he had a long time with Bayern Munich and won 1 Champions League, 3 Bundesliga…

In the German team, Toni Kroos debuted in 2010 and won the 2014 World Cup. In 2021, he announced his retirement from the team but returned to play in February this year. Toni Kroos is currently on the preliminary list and is almost certain to qualify for Euro 2024. That will be the last tournament for the 1990 midfielder.