Toni Kroos Explains His Decision to Retire: A Look at the Legendary Midfielder’s Final Match at Wembley and His Impact at Real Madrid
Toni Kroos, the iconic midfielder from Real Madrid, is preparing for his final game with the club at Wembley Stadium. In a reflective mood, Kroos disclosed that his decision to retire was influenced by the club's successful season. The opportunity to conclude his career with a "double" — winning both La Liga and the Champions League — played a significant role in his decision.
In an interview with Cadena SER, Kroos also commented on the upcoming Euro tournament in Germany, which surprisingly did not play a decisive role in his decision to rejoin the national team for one last hurrah. He clarified that the call to return was not driven by the location of the tournament. “No, not at all. I felt that they needed me,” Kroos said, referring to a conversation with Julian Nagelsmann, the national team coach. “Nagelsmann called me after the World Cup in Qatar, where the team didn’t perform as expected. He asked if I would be interested in playing at the Euro. I thought about it and agreed. I still feel physically fit, which is crucial for playing in a tournament after a long season. With the team we have, I believe we can achieve more than before.”
Luka Modric, in a separate interview, expressed his desire to keep playing as long as he feels capable and useful. For Kroos, however, who is four years younger than the 34-year-old Modric, the perspective on ending a career differs significantly. “It’s different cases. I think Luka and I view ending our careers differently,” Kroos shared. “Luka continues to enjoy playing football. I’ve always wanted to finish my career on a high note while my body is still in good shape, because I hope to have many more years of life ahead.”
Kroos emphasized his desire to leave football without any physical ailments. “I am happy that I was able to maintain this level at 34. I have always seen myself ending my career on the field while being important for the team. Currently, I feel good, and I think this is the perfect time for it.”
Real Madrid will undoubtedly miss Kroos, as he is one of the few midfielders of global caliber capable of controlling the pace of a game. Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s coach, acknowledged that finding another player of Kroos’s caliber will be challenging.
Kroos's departure marks the end of an era for Real Madrid, where his presence in the midfield has been a cornerstone of their success in recent years. As he prepares for his final appearance at Wembley, both the player and fans reflect on a career that has been nothing short of legendary.
