Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has decided to hang up his jersey following a stellar 10-year career with the top Spanish club.
“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,” the 34-year-old German footballer stated.
“After 10 years, at the end of the season, this chapter comes to an end,” he added. “I will never forget that 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.”
“Toni Kroos will remain forever in the hearts of every madridista thanks to his mastery of the game and the fact he has given his all for our jersey, a steadfast example of the values of Real Madrid,” the club stated.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez also expressed his gratitude to the soccer star, saying he’s “one of the great players in Real Madrid history and this club will always be his home.”
As he always said he'd do, Mr. Kroos will end his career at the peak of his performance level while still playing with the Los Blancos.
His last game for Real Madrid will be the Champions League Final against German club Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in London.
“As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club,” Mr. Kroos said. “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.”
Mr. Kroos will end his time at Real Madrid after making 463 official appearances for the Los Blancos, winning 22 trophies, including four European Cups.
The former Bayern Munich midfielder has been “a key player in one of the most successful periods” of Real Madrid’s 122-year history, the club said in Tuesday’s announcement.
The midfielder still has the opportunity to add one more La Liga title if the team reigns supreme at Wembley on June 1.
In addition to his many titles with Real Madrid, Mr. Kroos also won the 2014 FIFA World Cup with the German national team and another Champions League title with Bayern Munich in 2013.
