Real Madrid have a void to fill in central midfield, following the decision of Toni Kroos to retire.

Kroos has confirmed he’d be retiring after the European Championship, and will play his last game for the Los Blancos in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

The 34-year-old has already been given his send-off at the Santiago Bernabeu, in the goalless draw with Real Betis.

Carlo Ancelotti has knocked down suggestions that Jude Bellingham is the direct replacement for Toni Kroos.

For Ancelotti, Jude Bellingham is an attacking midfielder, while Toni Kroos is a central midfielder.

“Is Bellingham the replacement for Kroos? No, I think not,” Carlo Ancelotti told the media after the German’s last game at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“The closer Bellingham is to the penalty area the better for us. We have other midfielders.”

Kroos spent 10 years at Real Madrid, and made a total of 464 appearances for the club.

It’s yet to be seen whether the club will sign a new central midfielder this summer.