German International and Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.
The midfielder who has spent 11 seasons at the La Liga Giant has scored a total of 28 goals and won 22 titles with them: 4 Champions Leagues, 5 Club World Cups, 4 UEFA Super Cups, 4 La Liga titles, 1 Copa del Rey, and 4 Spanish Super Cups.
The Los Blancos Legend has also won a total of 33 titles with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and the German national team, with two more pending (a potential Champions League and Euro title).
Announcing his retirement in a letter to Real Madrid fans, Kroos expressed his gratitude for their love and support since he joined the club in 2014.
Kroos also confirmed that the 2024 Euros will mark his final international appearance.
The German is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, and is known for his vision, passing, creativity, crossing and set-piece ability.
He wrote: “As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last 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.
“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.
“I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it on 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: a por la 15!!! HALA MADRID Y NADA MAS.”
