Toni Kroos shocked the football world and even his club Real Madrid, when he announced he’d be retiring at the end of the season.

Real Madrid were ready to keep him for at least an extra year, and the German was still on top of his game.

The German international has now opened up on his decision to retire.

Speaking on his podcast, Toni Kroos said: “I am sad at the moment. Something that defined me, that gave so much fun and gave me so many positive memories is coming to an end.

“I am happy that the news is out. It is a relief because a lot of people were speculating and I didn’t feel like answering questions about my future all the time.

“Retiring was never a 100-0 decision. The feelings swing in other directions, in the days at the end it was maybe a 80-20 or 70-30 decision. And that 30% is what makes you feel something.

“I told Carlo [Ancelotti] first that I’m retiring. Then the club, then Luka [Modric], Fede [Valverde], Lucas [Vazquez].”