STUTTGART, GERMANY - JULY 05: Toni Kroos of Germany acknowledges the fans after the team's defeat in the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Spain and Germany at Stuttgart Arena on July 05, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany.

Real Madrid legend says his final goodbye to football

Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Although Real Madrid had a very successful 2023-24 season, in which they won the La Liga and UEFA Champions League double, the last few months have still left a lot of the club’s supporters in a sad mood.

This is primarily because two of the legends of the White club who had played a key role in its successes in the last few seasons had decided to part ways with Real Madrid, as Toni Kroos announced his retirement after the UEFA EURO 2024, while Nacho joined the Saudi club Al-Qadsiah as his contract with Los Blancos expired.

Although he had played in the UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund as his last game for Real Madrid, Toni Kroos’ last professional tournament as a footballer was the UEFA EURO 2024. Thus, he retired from professional football after Germany was eliminated at the hands of Spain in the quarter-finals of the competition.

As MARCA has reported, the former Real Madrid midfielder took to social media to leave a final message as he hung up his boots. Kroos utilised this moment to thank all the important people in his life and footballing career:

“So that’s it. But before taking a break and at least trying to realize what happened in the last 17 years, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to thank everyone who accepted me for who and what I am.

Thank you to all my fans around the world for your unconditional support. Thank you to all my clubs and coaches for believing in me. Thank you to all my teammates for making me feel welcome at any time. Thank you to my friends for always being honest with me, no matter how successful I became. Thank you to my agents who became friends.

Thank you to my parents for the best possible preparation to realize my dream. Thank you to my brother Felix Kroos for always being my number one fan.

Thank you to my children for being my biggest motivation to bring out the best in me – there’s nothing better than seeing your children proud of their dad. Thank you to my beautiful wife Jessica Kroos for being who you are. Never change. This success wouldn’t have been possible without you. It’s ours!

And last but not least: Thank you, football! You’re a beautiful game. And… You’re welcome! Over and out.”

With these words of gratitude, Kroos said goodbye to the beautiful game, and football fans throughout the world will be sad to see such a unique player ending his career. But Kroos ended his career on his own terms, and hopefully his association with Real Madrid will continue in one form or another.

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