Toni Kroos Announces Retirement After Euro 2024
Germany’s international midfielder, Toni Kroos, has confirmed that he will retire from professional football after the 2024 European Championship, which will be held in his home country this summer.
Toni Kroos began his professional career at Bayern Munich on July 1, 2007, following a year with the club’s youth team. He also had a season-long loan at Bayer Leverkusen between 2009 and 2010. On July 7, 2014, Kroos made a significant move to Real Madrid from Bayern Munich for a transfer fee of €25 million. Since joining Real Madrid, the 34-year-old has made 463 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 98 assists.
This season, Kroos, who returned from international retirement earlier this year, has featured in 46 out of 52 games across all competitions for Real Madrid, scoring 1 goal and assisting 9 times.
Although his contract with Real Madrid expires on June 30, 2024, he has decided to announce his retirement. This means that Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1 will be his last game for the club.
Earlier today, on May 21, Kroos shared a heartfelt message on Instagram:
“July 17, 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 this incredibly successful time! I would particularly like to thank everyone who welcomed me with open arms and trusted me. Especially, I want to thank you, dear Madridistas, for your affection and love from the first day until the last.
“At the same time, this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the European Championship.
“As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. I am happy and proud that 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. From now on, there is only one leading thought: go for 15!!! HALA MADRID AND NOTHING MORE!”
Kroos’s announcement marks the end of an era for one of football’s most accomplished midfielders. Fans and teammates alike will remember his contributions to both club and country as he prepares to hang up his boots.
