The midfielder ends his career after Euro 2024

German Toni Kroos announced that he will end his career at the age of 34, after the European Championship. In an emotional message to Real Madrid fans, whom he represented for the last ten seasons, he declared his eternal love for the club and justified his decision by wanting to retire at the peak of his career.

The announcement was surprising, even though the midfielder was at the end of his contract with Real Madrid and had previously guaranteed that he would not play “until he is 38 or 39 years old.” The message posted on social media highlights this conviction.

“I have thought for several months and I am convinced that my heart has found the right moment. I want people to remember me as Kroos who was at the top. I do not want to reach the point where I am no longer at my level. I will remain on the bench and no longer have fun,” Finca said.

The midfielder took his first steps at humble club Greifswalder, while also joining Hansa Rostock. He made his professional debut at Bayern in 2007, and was also on loan at Bayer Leverkusen before imposing himself on the Bavarian side, and in the summer of 2014, he moved to Real Madrid, having played 463 matches for the Whites since then. .

“Coming to Real Madrid changed my life. I am very grateful for these ten years, and for the affection with which they have treated me. I feel at home in Madrid and in Spain. I have always said that when I leave Real Madrid, I will leave football”. “I always wanted to leave Real Madrid, and it never occurred to me to leave for another club, not now, not in the last ten years.”

Two awards on the horizon

Kroos' tally includes 34 titles, including five Champions League titles (one with Bayern and four with Real Madrid) and a World Cup, which he won in 2014. Before his retirement, he still has two more titles in his sights.

On June 1, he will try to bring his 15th Champions League to Real Madrid, in the confrontation with Dortmund at Wembley: “We have another title to win. The most important thing for me is to win this cup with you,” Kroos said in the message to the Madrid fans.

Then he will leave for Germany to try to lead the Germanschaft to win the Euro, which will be held on home soil. One of the few trophies the midfielder has never won and which has eluded the Germans since 1996.

Reactions to farewell

Cristiano Ronaldo
“For everything and for so much, Tony! It was an honor to share the court with you.”

Florentino Perez
“One of the best clubs in Real Madrid's history. This club will always be your home.”

Vinicius Junior
“Genius! It's the best word to describe you, but it's a far cry from what you deserve. It's a sad day for all Madrid fans and a terrible day for football. You could give more, much more, but I understand you. Thank you for that.” Every pass, for every tip, for letting me learn from you, let's go to the fifteenth day!”

Thomas Mueller
“It's not over yet… there's the last dance!”

Lothar Matthäus
“Probably the best German footballer ever.”

Schweinsteiger Bastian
“Congratulations on a wonderful career. I hope you can say goodbye to a European player.”

baby
“Incredible legacy!”

Bruno Fernandes
“One of the best players of this generation. It has been a pleasure to watch you play all these years.”

Carvajal
“I wasn't expecting to be writing this so soon, but I want to take this opportunity to say how much I admire you. You are amazing on and off the field. You are loved by everyone, a true gentleman. It has been an honor and a privilege to share these moments with you. It doesn't end here.” , We still have one last mission together so you can have the best farewell possible… on the 15th!”

Gareth Bale
“Congratulations on a great career. It has been a pleasure playing alongside you.”

Thibaut Courtois
“One of the privileges that football has given me is to be your teammate, learn and share great experiences with you. Thank you, legend!”

Antonio Rudiger
“One of the best players I've ever played with. We'll miss him, but I still have two big challenges ahead of me. Let's go!”

Joselo
“It has been a pleasure to share with you this year. You are an example in everything. A Real Madrid legend.”

Written by Vasco Borges