Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos, who played in his final match for the club at Wembley, has revealed that his decision to retire from football is partly due to the success achieved by Los Blancos this season. The fact that he was given the opportunity to leave with a double in the Spanish League and the Champions League contributed to his decision to leave the game.
Meanwhile, Cadena Ser also told that the fact that the Euros were being held in his native Germany did not make the difference regarding his decision to come out of international retirement to participate in one final tournament.
“No, no. I had a feeling that they needed me. Nagelsmann called me. I watched the matches, and I saw that they had struggled since the World Cup in Qatar. As I told you, Nagelsmann called me and asked me if I wanted to play in the Euros. I thought about it and said yes. I feel “I'm in good physical condition, and that's the most important thing. It's playing the tournament after a long season. I think with the team we have, we can do more than we were doing.”
Modric had told a different newspaper that he hoped to continue as long as he felt strong and able to contribute, but that was not the case for 34-year-old Kroos, who is four years his junior.
“No. And they are different situations. I think that Luca and I think a little differently about how to finish our careers. In Luca's case, he is still enjoying his football. I always wanted to finish in a great moment, with my body still working very well because I hope that I have many years of life left after that.
“I want to leave football without physical problems and I am happy that I have been able to carry myself to this level at the age of 34. I have always seen myself ending my career on the field, being important for the team. I feel good now and I think this is the perfect time for that.
Los Blancos will undoubtedly miss Kroos greatly, as the German accelerator is one of the few midfielders in the game currently able to control the tempo of the game. Carlo Ancelotti pointed out that it would be difficult to find another footballer with the same qualities as him, and later in the interview, Kroos did not deny this, as he said that what Real Madrid are good at, regardless of whether or not they find a similar player, or not. It's a win-win. However, Ancelotti will have to find different ways to win without him.
