Toni Kroos has been a key figure in Real Madrid’s midfield for the past decade alongside fellow veteran Luka Modric. But it now appears that the club is preparing for the future.

Kroos, who turned 33 in January, was linked with a summer exit as his contract was to expire last month. He however signed a one-year contract extension to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The German veteran has revealed that he wants to keep playing at the top level, but is afraid of his body failing him.

With Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham at ages 24, 20, 23 and 20 respectively, Kroos knows he won’t beat the competition forever.

Speaking to RTL, Kroos said: “There are one or two negative examples, who simply could not leave football, and were no longer the player people have in their minds.

“I don’t want that to happen to me.”

Kroos also revealed he does not want to end his career as a substitute, as he added: “I have the feeling that this season has gone as well as the last nine in Madrid. Why wouldn’t the next one go just as well? I still enjoy football and I’m hungry for titles.”