Kroos announces exit from Real Madrid and retirement from football

Toni Kroos has announced his decision to leave Real Madrid and retire from football at the end of the season, sharing the news through his podcast and an emotional letter to fans.

The 34-year-old Real Madrid superstar whose contract expires this summer, had left his future uncertain despite his impressive performance this season, which saw him rejoin Germany’s squad for the first time since Euro 2021.

Many anticipated the German midfielder would extend his contract by another year after a strong finish to the campaign.

Throughout the season, Kroos made 46 appearances for Real Madrid, contributing one goal and nine assists across all competitions. He has two more potential matches to add to these stats: against Real Betis and the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

In a heartfelt social media post on Tuesday, Kroos shared a montage of his time at Real Madrid and wrote:

“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,” Kross said.

“After 10 years, at the end of the season, this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget that incredibly 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. 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 level. From now on, there is only one leading thought: a por la 15!!! HALA MADRID Y NADA MAS!”

Before joining Real Madrid, Kroos played for Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. Over his career, he has made over 300 appearances for Los Blancos and more than 100 appearances for Germany, amassing an impressive 31 trophies in total.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez said: “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.”

Kroos’s illustrious career at Real Madrid began on July 17, 2014, and within a month, he was already making a significant impact, leading the team to victory and lifting his first title on August 12.

Since then, he has won a remarkable 22 titles with the club, including four Champions League titles (potentially five after June 1), four Spanish La Liga EA Sports titles, five Supercopa de Españas, three European Super Cups, five Club World Cups, and one Copa del Rey.

Kroos’s final game will be the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1, marking the end of a career filled with success and memorable moments at Real Madrid.