Sports

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos announces shock retirement in emotional statement

"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"

1.1k

Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos will retire from professional football after Euro 2024.

The 34-year-old has enjoyed a trophy-laden career with Real since he joined them from Bayern Munich in July 2014, winning both La Liga and the Champions League on four occasions.

Kroos was also part of the Germany team that won the World Cup in 2014.

He quit international football in July 2021 but came out of retirement in February after talks with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

“My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level,” Kroos said in a post on his Instagram account.

“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.”

Kroos made his debut for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga aged 17 in September 2007 and went on to win the first of three German league titles that season.

He was also part of the Bayern squad that won the Champions League in 2013, though he did not play in the final.

Kroos said that the day he signed for Real “changed his life as a footballer but especially as a person,” and his “only thought” now is to help Los Blancos to a 15th European Cup.

Real face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1.

“I have always said Real Madrid is and will be my last club,” he said.

“After 10 years, at the end of season this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget this successful time.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez added: “Toni Kroos is one of the great players in the history of Real Madrid, and this club is and will always be his home.”

Kroos will be part of the Real Madrid squad, which seeks to win the club’s 15th European Cup/Champions League crown in the final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1.

He will then be part of Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for their hosting of the Euros in the summer, when he will bid to add that trophy to his remarkable collection.

Germany play Scotland in the opening game of Euro 2024 on June 14 at Munich’s Allianz Arena.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Victor Osimhen’s Stunning Hat-Trick Propels Galatasaray to Resounding 4-0 Victory

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen was in scintillating form on Friday night, netting...

Injury rules out Super Eagles’ Nathan Tella from upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers

“Torunarigha has had one previous appearance for the Super Eagles, featuring in...

Real Madrid Shatters Atletico Madrid’s Dreams in Heart-Wrenching Champions League Clash

In a captivating Champions League encounter, Real Madrid have emerged victorious against...

Flamingos Intensify Training Ahead of FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier

The Nigerian U17 girls’ team, the Flamingos, have stepped up their preparation...

Just in: Amaju Pinnick Loses Bid to Retain FIFA Council Seat

Nigeria’s Amaju Melvin Pinnick has failed to secure a second term on...

Patrice Motsepe Re-Elected as CAF President

South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected as the President of...

Barcelona’s Teen Sensation Lamine Yamal Makes History in Champions League Win Over Benfica

Barcelona secured a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals with a thrilling...

Super Eagles Coach Chelle Unveils Star-Studded Squad for Rwanda, Zimbabwe Clashes

Nigerian football enthusiasts can now have a sigh of relief as Super...

Amaju Pinnick Favoured to Retain FIFA Council Seat – NFF

Amaju Melvin Pinnick of Nigeria is favoured to secure re-election to the...

Nigerian Community in South Africa Celebrates Flamingos’ Victory in 2025 U-17 WWC Qualifier

The Nigerian community in South Africa showed remarkable national pride and unity...

Liverpool’s Title March Continues as Salah’s Brilliance Sinks Southampton

Liverpool’s relentless pursuit of the Premier League title continued on Saturday as...

Nottingham Forest Stun Manchester City with Late Hudson-Odoi Winner

In a thrilling encounter at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest dealt a...

Just In: Nigeria Secures Hosting Rights for 2026 World Public Relations Forum

Nigeria has secured the hosting rights for the 2026 World Public Relations...

Nigeria’s U17 Girls Team, Flamingos, Arrive in South Africa for FIFA World Cup Qualifier

The Nigeria U17 girls’ team, Flamingos, has arrived in Pretoria, South Africa,...

Alisson Shines as Liverpool Secures Crucial Champions League Victory in Paris

By Samuel Akpan with agency report Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson put on a...

West Africa’s Top Wrestlers Gather in Abuja for 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Championship

The stage is set for a thrilling display of wrestling prowess as...

El Derbi Madrileno: Real Madrid Edge Out Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Champions League Thriller

By Samuel Akpan with agency report The Santiago Bernabeu was electric as...

Arsenal Stun PSV Eindhoven with 7-1 Thrashing, on Brink of Champions League Quarter-Finals

Samuel Akpan with agency report Arsenal produced a stunning display of attacking...

Super Eagles Coach Chelle Unveils 39-Man Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has announced a provisional list...

IFAB introduces game-changing goalkeeper rule: 8-second countdown to restart play

In a groundbreaking move, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved...