Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has called time on his club and international career, MySportDab reports.
The German midfield sensation announced he will leave Real Madrid at the end of this summer and will also call a quit on his international career after the 2024 Euros.
Kroos’ decision to call time on his career is coming as a shock after reports he was close to renewing his Real Madrid contract which is expiring this summer.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said Kroos’ Real Madrid career was in the hands of the player as the club were eager to continue with him next season.
Ancelotti made the statement before Kroos came out of retirement and announced his return to international football in February 2024 – a decision that fueled reports he will renew his Real Madrid contract.
Now, the 34-year-old has struck a bolt from the blues, announcing his retirement to the shock of the Real Madrid community and entire football fans.
Confirming his decision to call time on his club and international career, the legendary midfielder wrote on Instagram;
“After 10 years, at the end of the season, this chapter comes to an end
“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 European Championship. As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. 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 German footballing sensation and Real Madrid legend will retire with 22 club trophies to his belt with Madrid since his 10-year spell with the club.
He has also won the Champions League and German Championship with Bayern Munich and will be playing his last football competition in the 2024 Euros with the German national team.
