Toni Kroos hilariously responds to fan on Instagram as retirement nears for Real Madrid legend
Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos hilariously thanked a fan for reminding him that he'll soon have played his final game as a professional footballer. The veteran German midfielder is at Euro 2024, his last tournament before retiring.
Germany are through to the last 16 of the competition, which is on home soil. They clash with Denmark tonight (June 29). A fan on Instagram pointed out that Kroos, 34, will soon be hanging up his boots (via Madrid Zone):
"A little reminder, that from now on, every match could be Toni's last."
Kroos responded in a witty manner:
"Thank you (laughing emoji)."
The 112-cap Germany international announced his retirement decision just ahead of the UEFA Champions League final. His last appearance as a Real Madrid came in a 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley (June 1).
In February, Kroos came out of international retirement to link up with Julian Nagelsmann's Nationalelf for Euro 2024. He wanted to see out his career with the national team in the tournament in his homeland.
The former Bayern Munich playmaker was excellent during Germany's group games. He appeared in their wins against Scotland (5-1) and Hungary (2-0) and their draw with Switzerland (1-1).
Lothar Matthaus thinks Bayern Munich made the biggest mistake selling Toni Kroos to Real Madrid
Bayern legend Lothar Matthaus had called the Bundesliga giants' decision to sell Toni Kroos to Real Madrid the biggest mistake in the club's history. The German pundit stressed to BILD the impact his departure has and will continue to have:
"From Bayern’s point of view, it was the biggest mistake in the club’s history to sell Toni Kroos simply out of emotion and vanity.de Similar to the departure of David Alaba, the decision here was not made rationally. The Kroos case will hurt those responsible for many, many years to come."
Toni Kroos, then aged 24, left the Bavarians for Real Madrid in July 2014 for €25 million. He was then undergoing his development into arguably one of the greatest playmakers in European football history.
The Greifswald-born midfielder made 205 appearances for Bayern, scoring 24 goals and 49 assists. At the Allianz Arena, he won the UEFA Champions League, three Bundesliga titles, and six other major trophies.
Kroos quickly became a mainstay in Madrid's side and forged a formidable midfield with Luka Modric and Casemiro. He continued to roll back the years in his thirties, including last season, where he bagged one goal and 10 assists in 48 games across competitions.