Toni Kroos Announces Retirement from Football After Euro 2024
In an emotional announcement, Toni Kroos has confirmed that he will be retiring from professional football following the Euro 2024 championship. The German midfield maestro, who has been a pivotal figure for both Real Madrid and the Germany national team, will be ending his illustrious career that has spanned over a decade at the highest levels of the sport.
Toni Kroos’ Farewell Letter
In a heartfelt letter addressed to Real Madrid fans, Kroos expressed his gratitude and reflected on his journey with the club. “As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club,” Kroos began. He recounted his first day at the club on July 17th, 2014, describing it as “the day that changed my life.” Kroos emphasized how his time at Real Madrid has shaped him not only as a footballer but also as a person.
“After 10 years, at the end of this season, this chapter comes to an end,” he wrote. “I will never forget that insolent successful time! I would particularly like to thank everyone that welcomed me with an open heart and trusted me. But especially I would like to thank you, dear Madridistas, for your affection and your love from the first day until the last one.”
Kroos also mentioned that his decision to retire was made with careful consideration. “I am happy and proud that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it on my own. My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level.”
A Glorious Decade at Real Madrid
Toni Kroos joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2014 for a transfer fee of €25 million. Since then, he has been instrumental in the club’s success, helping them secure 21 trophies, including:
- Four La Liga titles
- Four UEFA Champions League titles
His vision, passing ability, and set-piece prowess have made him one of the greatest midfielders of all time. Kroos’ career at Real Madrid has been filled with incredible moments and consistent performances. In the 2023-2024 La Liga season, Kroos made 32 appearances, scored one goal, and provided eight assists. His passing accuracy and ability to control the tempo of the game have been crucial for Real Madrid’s midfield.
Legacy and Impact
Toni Kroos’ impact on the field has been immense. He has been named in the FIFPro World11 and UEFA Team of the Year three times and has won the IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker award. His contributions to Germany’s World Cup win in 2014, where he was the top assist provider, further solidified his status as a football legend.
Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, praised Kroos, stating, “Toni Kroos is one of the greatest players in the history of Real Madrid, and this club is and always will be his home.”
Kroos expressed his satisfaction with his decision to retire, saying, “I am convinced that it is the correct decision. I wanted to end it in the best way possible, and this season is one of the best I have played. My goal was to finish in the best way; this season has been one of my best. I want you to remember me as I am now.”
The Future for Real Madrid
As Kroos prepares to bid farewell, Real Madrid will look to their current squad to fill the void left by his departure. The team boasts a mix of experienced players like Luka Modrić and emerging talents such as Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga. The club’s recent form has been impressive, with significant victories in La Liga and a crucial win against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid will face Real Betis next in La Liga and Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League Final, aiming to add more silverware to their collection as they prepare for life after Kroos.
Conclusion
Toni Kroos’ decision to retire marks the end of an era for Real Madrid and football fans worldwide. His legacy will be remembered for years to come, and his contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark. As he steps away from the pitch, fans will cherish the memories and celebrate the career of a true footballing legend.
