Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos will retire after Euro 2024, the legendary midfielder announced on social media.
Toni Kroos is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in history and has spent the last ten years playing at the highest level for Real Madrid.
Having reversed his international retirement earlier this year, Kroos will play in at the Euros on home soil before hanging up his boots altogether.
The 34 year old star took to his official social media platforms to send an emotional message to Real Madrid fans across the globe.
Toni Kroos of Real Madrid applauds the fans after the team’s victory in the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Deportivo Alaves at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
In an emotional statement on Instagram, Kroos said: “July 17th, 2014 – the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life. My life as a footballer – but especially as a person.
“It was the start of a new chapter at the biggest club in the world. After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget that insolent successful time! I would particularly like to thank everyone who 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. At the same time this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship. As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it by my own.
“My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level. From now on there is only one leading thought: go for 15!!! HALA MADRID AND NOTHING MORE.”
Kroos has made 463 appearances for Madrid since signing from Bayern Munich in 2014, with next month’s Champions League final set to be his 464th and last for the club.
The Germany international has lifted the Champions League trophy five times in his career to date, as well as seven league titles in Germany and Spain, four national cups, five domestic super cups, four UEFA Super Cups and five FIFA Club World Cups.
Kroos was also part of the Germany squad that won the World Cup in 2014 making him one of the most decorated midfielders in history.
