A New Era for Real Madrid
Toni Kroos, the legendary midfielder who won 23 trophies with Real Madrid, including five Champions Leagues, has opened up about his decision to retire from the sport. In a candid interview, Kroos revealed that he wasn’t tempted to delay his retirement to play alongside new signing Kylian Mbappé.
A Decision Made with Conviction
Kroos, who retired last summer after competing with Germany at Euro 2024, explained that his decision to leave the club wasn’t influenced by the arrival of Mbappé. “The decision didn’t depend on if a player was arriving or leaving,” he said. “It was my decision. I knew Mbappé was coming, and I’m glad he did, because he’s going to help the team.”
Breaking the News to Ancelotti
Kroos described the difficult conversation he had with coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had been hoping that the midfielder would continue playing. “It was really hard for me to tell Carlo,” Kroos said. “He was my first coach here, and it wasn’t easy to tell him, but everything in life comes to an end.” Despite the challenge, Kroos knew that he had made the right decision and was confident that Ancelotti would understand.
Passing the Torch
With Kroos’ retirement, his No. 8 shirt has been passed on to Federico Valverde, who now has the task of replacing his influence in midfield. Kroos expressed his admiration for Valverde, saying, “I love him as a person and as a player. I believe in him and that’s why I gave him the No. 8.” He added, “Now he has to take the responsibility of playing and taking the risks I took on the pitch. It’s his turn, and I think he can do it.”
A New Chapter for Real Madrid
As Kroos begins his post-playing career, Real Madrid is embarking on a new era with Mbappé and Valverde at the forefront. While Kroos will be missed, his legacy will live on, and his decision to retire has paved the way for a new generation of players to shine.
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