La Liga: The End of an Era: Toni Kroos to Retire from Football

Toni Kroos

GERMAN midfielder Toni Kroos has announced his plans to retire from professional football after Euro 2024, bringing an end to his illustrious career. The 34-year-old will leave Real Madrid, the club he has called home since 2014, and hang up his boots following the European Championship next summer.

Kroos, a World Cup winner with Germany in 2014, has enjoyed a decorated career, winning numerous titles with Real Madrid, including four Champions League crowns, three La Liga titles, and several other honors. He has also been an integral part of the German national team, earning 106 caps and scoring 17 goals.

The midfielder, known for his exceptional vision, passing range, and control, has been a key player for both Real Madrid and Germany, and his retirement will be a significant loss for both teams. Kroos has been contemplating retirement for some time, and the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament will provide a fitting swansong for one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.

Real Madrid will surely miss Kroos's experience, leadership, and quality on the pitch, but his legacy will live on at the Santiago Bernabéu. As he prepares for his final hurrah with Germany, football fans around the world will be eager to bid farewell to a true great of the game.

Toni Kroos letter to Real Madrid fans: “As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club.”

“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 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. At the same time this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship.”

“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: a por la 15!!! HALA MADRID Y NADA MAS!”

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez says: “Toni Kroos is one of the greatest players in the history of Real Madrid and that this club is and always will be his home.”

Toni Kroos futher states: “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.”