Real Madrid and Germanny midfielder Toni Kroos has announced he will retire after this summer’s European Championships hosted by his home nation.
The 34-year-old announced his decision in a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his joy and pride at representing Real Madrid for the past ten years.
“July 17th, 2014 – the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life,” Kroos wrote.
“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.
“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.”
The decorated midfielder aims to finish his illustrious career on a high with a Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium next month.
This weekend’s La Liga clash against Real Betis will be Kroos’ last domestic outing for Los Blancos, who secured the league title two weeks ago under manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The German international boasts one of the most envied trophy cabinets, collecting accolades from his time in Spain and Germany.
He has won the World Cup with Die Mannschaft. He also won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal three times with Bayern Munich.
Kroos has won the Champions League on five occasions and La Liga four times.
The German maestro will leave a gaping hole in Madrid’s midfield, but his impact on the club and the sport will last forever.
Kroos is one of the most gifted passers the game has ever seen. He has not recorded below 90% passing accuracy in La Liga in his ten years with Los Blancos.
