Real Madrid’s influential midfielder Toni Kroos has declared he will retire from professional football following the conclusion of this summer’s European Championship.

The 34-year-old German international, who has had a trophy-rich decade with the Spanish giants, announced his decision on Instagram, marking an end to an illustrious career.

In his heartfelt post, Kroos reflected on his transformative journey since joining Real Madrid. “July 17th, 2014 – the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life. My life as a footballer – but especially as a person. It was the start of a new chapter at the biggest club in the world. After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end,” Kroos wrote.

Kroos further emphasized that this retirement was a carefully considered decision, aligned with his long-standing intention to conclude his career while still at the top of his game. “At the same time this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship. As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it by my own. My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level,” he explained.

Despite recent speculation about a possible contract extension at Real Madrid, alongside veteran teammate Luka Modric, Kroos opted to finalize his playing days after an international comeback intended for Euro 2024, hosted in Germany. His decision underscores a desire to conclude his career on his terms, amid the sport’s highest competition.

Since transferring from Bayern Munich, Kroos has made 463 appearances for Real Madrid, securing an impressive haul of 21 trophies, including four Champions League titles, five Club World Cups, and four La Liga championships. His strategic vision and midfield dominance have been critical to Real Madrid’s success across multiple seasons.

Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, commended Kroos’s significant contributions to the club. In an official statement, Pérez praised the midfielder’s legacy, stating, “Toni Kroos is one of the greatest players in the history of Real Madrid and this club is and will always be his home.”

As Toni Kroos prepares for his final professional matches in the Champions League final and Euro 2024, the football world is set to bid farewell to one of its most esteemed talents, whose impact at both the club and international levels will be remembered for generations.