Toni Kroos set to bid adieu to the football world

Toni Kroos surprised many people by announcing his retirement from the world of football. Kroos maybe 34 years old, but he should still be able to play at the highest level for another year or two. German Sniper conveyed this decision to retire directly on Tuesday, 21 May 2024 via his official Instagram account, Kroos delivered a long message about his decision to retire.

Kroos' decision is final, in recent weeks, he admitted that he had considered several options, and for him, retirement was the right choice. Toni Kroos wants to be remembered at his best level, leaving with his head held high. Now there are several important matches left to enjoy the remainder of Kroos' career. He will still help Real Madrid in the 2023/2024 Champions League final, play at Euro 2024 with Germany, and finally hang up his boots.

Kroos' Incredible Career

Kroos was born on January 4, 1990, in Greifswald, a small city in Germany. He started pursuing his career as a youth player in 2002, until finally catching the attention of Bayern Munich in 2006, Kroos played at U-19. At that time the competition at Bayern was very tight. Kroos was promoted to the senior team in 2007, but he didn't get many playing minutes. So, in 2009, Bayern chose to loan Kroos to Bayer Leverkusen.

In one season playing at Leverkusen, Kroos proved his quality. He returned to Bayern in 2010 and continued to play there until 2014, becoming a main player. For some reason, Bayern let Kroos go to Real Madrid in 2014. Kroos then spent 10 years in Madrid until now, his career has been extraordinary.

2002 - Greifs SC Youth > Rostock Youth

2006 - Rostock U-17 > Bayern U-19

2007 - Bayern U-19 > Bayern Munich

2009 - Bayern Munich > Bayer Leverkusen (loan)

2004 - Bayern Munich > Real Madrid

The most important point in Kroos' career was when he left Bayern Munich for Real Madrid in 2014. Even Bayern regretted the transfer at that time Kroos was preparing to help the German national team welcome the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He is still in the squad, even though he doesn't get many playing minutes at Bayern.

It was this problem of playing minutes that made Kroos want to leave. Madrid saw the gap and quickly approached Kroos. The transfer happens very quickly. "An association sometimes has to make difficult decisions. And that [letting Kroos go] was a difficult decision, maybe even the wrong decision," said former Bayern official, Uli Hoeness. It's natural for Bayern to regret it because Kroos has turned out to be an extraordinary midfield general with Real Madrid. He was even an important part of the team's success in the Champions League.

Kroos' trophy collection

Kroos firmly explained his reasons for leaving Madrid. He wants to leave at his best so that fans remember him as an extraordinary player. This impressive career is also proven by a classy trophy collection:

World Cup Champion: German National Team (2014)

Champions League Champions: Real Madrid (4x), Bayern Munich (1x)

Club World Cup Champions: Real Madrid (5x), Bayern Munich (1x)

La Liga Champion: Real Madrid (4x)

Copa del Rey Champion: Real Madrid (1x)

Spanish Super Cup Champion: Real Madrid (4x)

Bundesliga Champion: Bayern Munich (3x)

DFB Pokal Champion: Bayern Munich (3x)

German Super Cup Champion: Bayern Munich (1x)

European Super Cup Champions: Real Madrid (4x), Bayern Munich (1x)