Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos, 34, has announced his retirement from football after the European Championships with Germany this summer. Kroos, whose contract with Real Madrid expires in June, confirmed his decision in a heartfelt statement.
“July 17th, 2014 – the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life,” Kroos said. “After 10 years, this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget that successful time. I particularly thank everyone who welcomed me with open hearts and trusted me, especially the Madridistas for their affection and love from the first day until the last.”
Kroos emphasized his satisfaction with the timing of his retirement. “I am happy and proud that I found the right timing for my decision and could choose it on my own terms. My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level. From now on, there is only one leading thought: a por la 15!!! HALA MADRID Y NADA MAS!”
Since joining Real Madrid in 2014, Kroos has made 463 appearances and will leave as one of the most decorated players in the club’s 120-year history. His accolades include over 20 trophies, with four Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns. Internationally, Kroos won the 2014 World Cup with Germany and a Champions League title with Bayern Munich in 2013.
Real Madrid issued a statement praising Kroos’s legacy: “Real Madrid would like to express their gratitude and affection to Toni Kroos, a player who is already part of Real Madrid’s history and one of the great legends of our club and world football. Toni Kroos will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas for the excellence of his football and for being a player who has given everything for this shirt, always representing the values of Real Madrid.”
Kroos returned to the Germany squad after a three-year international retirement, ready to compete in the European Championships on home soil this June and July. His final appearance for Real Madrid will be in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.
Kroos’s departure marks the end of an era for Real Madrid, where he leaves a lasting legacy as one of the most influential midfielders of his generation.
