Shocking! Football legend Toni Kroos set to retire after Euro 2024

The legendary Real Madrid '8' has announced he will be hanging up his boots after the Euro 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. The German midfielder has announced his retirement on his podcast and social media... But he will have one last dance with both club and country. A Champions League final and a European Championship to cash out with a bang!

There has been plenty of speculation regarding his future. Some assumed he would renew his contract for another year at the Bernabeu, but the German midfielder has always stayed true to his word: "My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level," according to ESPN.

But what better way to retire after fighting for another Champions League final at Wembley, who many consider to be one of the great stages in the world of football?

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

Once the regular season is over, he will compete in a final European Championship, organized by his home country. A surprising return to the national team after he announced his departure in 2021.

"July 17, 2014. The day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life. My life as a footballer but, above all, as a person," shared Kroos in an emotional farewell post on social media.

Photo: Instagram - @toni.kr8s

"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, that life comes to an end. I will never forget this successful decade," he continues.

In his farewell, the midfielder thanks Florentino Pérez, the club, those who welcomed him and trusted him from the beginning but, above all, the Madrid faithful. "Your love and support from the first day to the last."

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

No better way to finish off your professional club career than with a Champions League final at Wembley! The German midfielder understands what the UCL means for the 'Madridistas' and was the first to rally the fans in his farewell message. "Let's go for 15th. 'HALA MADRID' AND NOTHING ELSE!"

Toni Kroos leaves Real Madrid after 10 seasons in white, 463 games, 28 goals, and 98 assists, per Transfermarkt, in addition to 22 titles, including 5 European Cups that could be 6 in a few days.

Beyond titles, matches and statistics, Toni Kroos leaves Real Madrid as one of the best midfielders in the club's history and a spectacular ambassador of the values and principles that represent Real Madrid.

In fact, as is usual at Real Madrid, it would be logical to think that Toni Kroos will receive an offer to remain linked to the club and the city of Madrid, where his family has settled for years.

What's more, in the farewell statement to the player, Florentino Pérez has already mentioned this possibility. "Toni Kroos is one of the great players in the history of Real Madrid and this club is and will always be your home."

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

"Toni Kroos will forever remain in the hearts of all Madrid fans for the excellence of his football and for being a player who has given everything for this shirt, always representing the values of Real Madrid," shared Real Madrid in an official statement.

Toni Kroos himself announced his farewell in his podcast 'Einfach mal luppen'. "I have realized that it is much easier to think about it for a long time than to say it. But the decision has been made and now I can understand this feeling of being very happy on the one hand and very sad on the other."

It is worth remembering that Real Madrid signed Toni Kroos in 2014, from Bayer Munich, for 25 million euros (£21m/$27m), per Transfermarkt, which is already considered one of the best and most profitable signings in the history of the club.

It goes without saying that the Santiago Bernabéu will roar like never before to say goodbye to one of its most admired legends. Toni Kroos will enjoy his last league game at the Bernabéu next Saturday before the historic Champions League final that is just around the corner. It will be a sad yet memorable day at the Bernabéu... Let us know what you think in the comments!

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!