German midfielder Toni Kroos announced the end of his professional career at the age of 34 following the conclusion of the Euro 2024 tournament with Germany. He declined Real Madrid's contract renewal offer and bid farewell at the peak of his career.

"On July 7, 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. It was the beginning of a new life at the biggest club in the world. Today, after 10 years, at the end of the season, this life comes to an end," he announced on his social media platforms.

"As I have always said, Real Madrid is and will be my last club. Today I am happy and proud to have found the right moment for this decision in my head and in my heart," explained the German in his statement.

In the podcast he shares with his brother Felix, he also wanted to send a special message to the fans of the club that has been his home for the past ten years.

"I have thought for many months about what to do, and the truth is there are pros and cons as always, but I am convinced this is what I want. I think it is the right decision for me. I always had the idea and the goal of finishing in the best way with the club, it is what I deserved. This season is one of the best I have played, it is a very good moment to leave."

"I always wanted that if in a few years you talk about Toni Kroos, you remember how I was and that I always wanted to be at the level I have now. I always said that when I leave Real Madrid, I will leave football because it is where I want to retire and that is what will happen. This is my last season, I will play the Eurocup with Germany but I never thought about changing clubs in ten years and I won't now," he added.

Kroos made clear the reasons for leaving football, the memory he wishes to leave with the fans, and the opportunity to leave having won La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, and returning with the German national team to play the Eurocup in his home country as a final flourish.

"It is not easy because people say I can play for a few more years, maybe that is true, but I don't want to reach a point where people wonder why I am playing, that I don't have the level, I am on the bench, and I am not enjoying it. I don't want to reach that point. I want to finish at the best moment and it is now, that is why I made this decision," he explained.