Toni Kross announces his retirement from football. The player is set to have his last game at the EUROS with Germany at his home country. Real Madrid fans will have the chance to watch him play one more time at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the madridistas will honour the player with a standing ovation.

“Toni Kroos is one of the greatest players in Real Madrid´s history, and this club is and will always be his home”, are the words from Florentino Perez.

An emotional day for Real Madrid fans, who have followed his trajectory for most of his career. Some may say he is one of the best players in the club’s history, others in football history. The debate is there as he retires as one of the most laureate players in modern football.

Hala Madrid y NADA mas! pic.twitter.com/6Fcm2EGWK1

— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) May 21, 2024

Last dance

Kroos will put to an end his journey with Real Madrid next 1st June, at Wembley. A choice that has been discussed for months. From Real Madrid´s side, they wanted to renew his contract one more year, as per the club's policy. However, the German player's decision seemed to be clear from the beginning. Retiring at an exceptional level, guiding his team to a new UCL final and potentially becoming EURO champion. This avoids future controversy when his quality would naturally decline and leave in a worse situation.

Ten seasons, 463 games, 22 trophies, four Champions League, five Club World Cup and four LaLiga´s amongst other trophies. In addition, 28 goals and 98 assists, a true gentleman on and off the pitch.

Moreover, World Cup champion in 2014 which was even more of an incentive to sign him from Bayern Munich where he won a Champions League and three Bundesliga’s. A cabinet full of trophies.

Thinking of Kross, one thinks of class, gentleman, infallible. He has gained this perception after many years of hard work and consistency.

After his retirement, only Luka Modric will remain at the club from the Casemiro, Modric & Kross midfield that won many Champions Leagues together.

I‘m trending at least?

— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) May 21, 2024

Open letter

“17th of July 2014, the day of my presentation as a Real Madrid player, the day my life changed. My life as a football player, but especially as a person. It was the beginning of a new life in the biggest club in the world. Today, after 10 years, at the end of the season, this life will be over.

I will never forget the passionate and successful decade!

I would like to thank Florentino Pérez, the club and everyone who received me with their heart open and believed in me. But I especially want to thank you, madridistas, your love and support from the first day until the last.

At the same time, this decision means that my career as an active football player will terminate this summer after the EUROS. As I always said, Real Madrid is and will be my last club.

Today I am happy and proud to have found in my mind and heart the adequate moment for this decision. My ambition was always to end my career at my best level. From this instance, in my mind there is only one main thought and nothing will push me away from it: ¡Let's get the 15! ¡Hala Madrid y nada más!

In 2015/16, Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić and Casemiro played their first season together at Real Madrid:

🏆🏆🏆🏆 #UCL
🏆🏆🏆 Club World Cup
🏆🏆🏆 Supercopa
🏆🏆🏆 LaLiga
🏆🏆 Super Cup

15 trophies. 🙇‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/apNNt9SQU7

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 29, 2022