MADRID (AP) — Toni Kroos will retire from soccer after trying to give Real Madrid yet another Champions League trophy and lead Germany to the European Championship title at home.
The 34-year-old German midfielder said Tuesday it was a tough decision, but that the timing felt “somehow perfect.”
“I always wanted to leave at the peak of my abilities and I know, and from a lot of examples you see, that it isn’t easy, that you can miss that point in time very quickly,” Kroos said on a podcast he hosts with his brother.
“I never wanted to have the feeling at the end that the club, the fans, the people around me would have to tell me, ‘That’s enough,’ or that I’d spend another two or three years sitting on the bench.”
Madrid thanked Kroos and hailed his achievements with the team.
“Real Madrid would like to express its gratitude and affection to Toni Kroos, a player who will go down in Real Madrid history as one of our club and international football’s greatest legends,” the club said.
What to stream: Lenny Kravitz, South Park, 'Dune: Part 2'
Dozens of jobs set to be axed at Treasury
Hong Kong gov't contacts police over satirical fake press release congratulating porn star
Lucas Tindall has inherited distinct expression from father Mike as these photos show..
No more cute snaps of Mt Fuji. A screen is up in a Japanese town to prevent tourist crowds
Addicted to hunting lodges, horses and endless parties, the free
Meet the new 'dynamic duo'! Anne and Sophie pair up to share the royal burden
China sanctions former US lawmaker who supported Taiwan
Queen Camilla could stand in for King Charles at the 80th anniversary of D
Clark signs deal with Wilson Sporting Goods for signature line
Mother, 24, outraged after learning shopping centre bathroom with baby changing facilities has CCTV