- Kroos to retire at 34
- Will take final bow at Euros in Germany
- Confirmed shock decision in emotional statement
WHAT HAPPENED
It was reported earlier this month that Kroos was close to agreeing a contract extension at Real, which would have seen him stay at Santiago Bernabeu for the 2024-25 season. However, the 34-year-old has now confirmed he will be calling time on his professional career, with his final bow set to be taken on home soil at this summer’s European Championship.
WHAT KROOS SAID
Kroos has confirmed his decision in an emotional statement on Instagram, which reads: “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. 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. 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. From now on there is only one leading thought: go for 15!!! HALA MADRID AND NOTHING MORE!”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Kroos has won a grand total of 21 trophies at Real Madrid since joining the club from Bayern Munich in 2014, including four Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles. He will have the chance to add to his European haul when Real take on Borussia Dortmund in this season’s Champions League final on June 1, which will be his last game in the famous white shirt.
KROOS’ LEGACY
Kroos will go down as one of the greatest players in Real’s history, having recorded 28 goals and 98 assists in 463 appearances for the club across all competitions. The veteran midfielder has also enjoyed huge success at international level, becoming a World Cup winner back in 2014, and will hope to end his career on the highest possible note when lining up for Germany at the Euros, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side set to kick off their campaign against Scotland on June 14.
