In the world of football, few decisions carry as much weight as a legendary player’s choice to hang up their boots. For Toni Kroos, the midfield maestro who orchestrated Real Madrid’s play for over a decade, that moment came last summer after a storybook ending to his illustrious career. But as Kroos reveals in a candid new interview, not even the tantalizing prospect of linking up with superstar Kylian Mbappé could sway him from his carefully considered retirement plans.
A Difficult Conversation with Ancelotti
Speaking to Marca, the 2014 World Cup winner opened up about the challenge of breaking the news to his manager, Carlo Ancelotti. “It was really hard for me to tell Carlo,” Kroos admitted. “He was hoping that I would continue, and we had, and have, a really good relationship.”
The German midfielder, who won an astounding 23 trophies during his time at the Bernabeu, including five Champions League titles, knew that his decision would come as a disappointment to Ancelotti. “It wasn’t easy for me either, because something that had been very special was ending,” Kroos reflected. “I tried to choose a good moment … And I was lucky that we won LaLiga by a distance, and I said: ‘Now!’ Because there was the perfect time, between LaLiga and the Champions League final.”
“After 10 years, everyone knows me very well. And they know that if I’ve taken a decision and thought it through, there’s no turning back. The boss [Ancelotti] said to me: ‘You’re German, there’s nothing to be done, right?'”
– Toni Kroos on his conversation with Carlo Ancelotti
Mbappé’s Arrival Not a Factor
Many speculated that the impending arrival of Kylian Mbappé, the electrifying French forward who finally made his long-awaited move to Real Madrid this summer, might prompt Kroos to extend his career for one more season. However, the midfield general was quick to dismiss such notions.
“The decision didn’t depend on if a player was arriving or leaving. It was my decision. I knew Mbappé was coming, and I’m glad he did, because he’s going to help the team. He could have come two years ago, but now he’s finally here. But Mbappé didn’t affect my decision.”
– Toni Kroos on Kylian Mbappé’s impact on his retirement
Passing the Torch to Valverde
With Kroos’s departure, the spotlight now falls on Federico Valverde, the dynamic Uruguayan midfielder who has been handed the daunting task of filling the German’s shoes. Kroos, however, has no doubts about Valverde’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“I love [Valverde] as a person and as a player. I believe in him and that’s why I gave him the No. 8, I think it could be good for him. Now he has to take the responsibility of playing and taking the risks I took on the pitch. It’s his turn, and I think he can do it.”
– Toni Kroos on Federico Valverde inheriting his No. 8 shirt
A Legacy Etched in White
As Toni Kroos settles into retirement, his legacy as one of Real Madrid’s all-time greats is secure. The German midfielder’s vision, technique, and unflappable composure under pressure made him the heartbeat of a Madrid side that dominated European football for much of his tenure.
Now, as the Bernabeu faithful prepare to welcome a new era with the arrival of Kylian Mbappé and the ascension of Federico Valverde, they will do so with the memories of Kroos’s brilliance forever etched in their minds. The man who pulled the strings in midfield may have stepped away from the pitch, but his impact on Real Madrid will endure for generations to come.
