Toni Kroos has been bestowed with a remarkable accolade at Real Madrid, surpassing even the honors received by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Kroos has declared his intention to hang up his boots post-Euro 2024 this summer.
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His storied tenure with Real will conclude after the team’s Champions League final face-off with Borussia Dortmund on June 1.
At the age of 34, Kroos is preparing to bid farewell to the sport following Germany’s participation in Euro 2024.
The seasoned midfielder’s journey with the La Liga titans began in the summer of 2014, and his trophy cabinet is brimming with nearly every significant award.
In his illustrious career, the German star has clinched league championships in both Germany and Spain, and has triumphed in the Champions League, the pinnacle of European club football, an astounding four times.
He also has a World Cup victory under his belt from 2014 and aims to lead Germany to success in the upcoming European championship.
Kroos’s influence has been monumental, earning him the title of ‘transfer of the century’ by Real’s president Florentino Perez, a distinction that places him above Ronaldo, who had a legendary run in Madrid after his move from Manchester United.
These revelations come from Kroos’s agent, Volke Struth, who praised Perez and disclosed his high regard for Kroos.
“He is an unbelievably pleasant person with a great life story,” said Struth.
“He is entrepreneurial but remains human. He explained to me why Toni Kroos is Real Madrid’s transfer of the century.”
On Kroos’ decision to retire, Perez said: “Toni Kroos is one of the greatest players in the history of Real Madrid and that this club is and always will be his home.”
Kroos explained his shocking decision to walk away from football in an emotional statement on Instagram.
“July 17th, 2014 – the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life,” he began.
“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 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.
“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 by 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!”
