On the afternoon of May 21 (Vietnam time), midfielder Toni Kroos surprised fans when he posted a long letter on his personal Instagram to announce his decision to retire. Specifically, the 34-year-old superstar will say goodbye to his “shorts” career after the EURO finals (June 15–July 15).

 

Kroos announced his retirement after EURO

Kroos’ decision was shocking because, recently, many sources believed that he was about to reach an agreement to extend his contract with the parent club Real Madrid in the context of the old contract expiring at the end of the 2023–24 season. However, the German star decided to retire at his peak.

On the other hand, Kroos affirmed that he will do his best to help Real Madrid win the 15th Champions League title in the team’s history.

“July 17, 2014, was the day I gave my debut speech for Real Madrid and also the day that changed my life as both a football player and a person. It was the beginning of a new chapter at the club The world’s largest set.

After 10 years, this chapter will end at the end of the season. I will never forget the past successful period! Thank you to everyone who welcomed me with open hearts and gave me their trust. In particular, 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 football career will end this summer after the EURO finals. As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club.

I am happy and proud because, in my mind, I found the right time for this decision and can choose for myself. My ambition has always been to finish my career at its peak. From now on, I only have one main thought: to win my 15th Champions League! Hala Madrid!”.

Toni Kroos joined Real Madrid in 2014 from Bayern Munich for a fee of about 30 million euros after winning the World Cup with Germany. During the past 10 years, he played 463 matches (scoring 28 goals), helping the “Royal Football Team” win 21 big and small titles, typically 4 La Liga, 4 Champions League, 5 FIFA Club World Cup,…

In the colors of his former team Bayern Munich (2007–2014), the 34-year-old superstar also won 10 titles, including 3 Bundesliga, 3 German National Cups, 1 German Super Cup, 1 Champions League, 1 European Super Cup, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.