Toni Kroos recently shared insights into his retirement, reflecting on the emotional moments he experienced when stepping away from football. The German midfielder, who spent a decade at Real Madrid, revealed that informing certain individuals about his decision was particularly challenging. “The most difficult thing was telling Ancelotti and my son that I was retiring. It’s been really complicated” he said.
🗣 Toni Kroos: "I told my teammates about my decision one by one, because I had been with some of them for a short time, with others for a longer time, with others I had a very close relationship. And I wanted to inform them all personally. But I didn't inform them all at once. I… pic.twitter.com/jOQzOF4qOn
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) October 21, 2024
Kroos took the time to inform his teammates one by one, acknowledging the different bonds he had formed over the years. While some players tried to convince him to reconsider, he remained steadfast, explaining that his decision was final and had been in the making for months.
Despite the retirement, Kroos expressed profound love for the club. “There has never been a moment during these 10 years at Real Madrid when I thought that I wanted to leave” he shared. His farewell at the Bernabeu has been an unforgettable experience, and he admitted, “I will keep it inside my heart forever.”
Kroos retired immediately after Germany’s elimination from Euro 2024. His last match for Real Madrid was in the Champions League final, where the midfielder assisted Dani Carvajal for Los Blancos’ first goal and later went on to triumph by lifting his 6th trophy from the most prestigious club tournament.