Toni Kroos ends career after European Championship

An extraordinary player steps down

In his impressive career, Toni Kroos has won numerous titles and set records. He made his breakthrough at Bayern Munich, where he debuted in the Bundesliga as a teenager. With Bayern, he won several German championships and the Champions League title in 2013. After his move to Real Madrid in 2014, his success continued as he won four more Champions League trophies and numerous national and international titles (Source: kicker.de).

Kroos is known for his exceptional passing accuracy, tactical understanding, and leadership qualities on the field. These skills made him an indispensable player in the teams he has played for, and one of the best midfielders of his generation. His career in numbers includes over 100 international matches for the German national team, in which he made crucial contributions, such as winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil (Source: dfb.de).

The emotional farewell

Kroos' announcement elicited strong emotional reactions, not only from himself but also from fans and his colleagues.In the press conference, he said, "It was an incredibly difficult decision, but I believe it's the right time. The Euro 2024 in Germany will be a fantastic tournament, and I want to end my career with another highlight." These words show how much this decision means to him and that he wants to end the chapter of his active playing career with a crowning achievement. (Source: faz.net). Numerous companions and coaches spoke appreciatively about Kroos and his career. Joachim Löw, the former national team coach under whose leadership Kroos played for many years, said: "Toni has always been a model professional and a key player for us. His departure leaves a big gap." These words reflect the respect he has earned over the years.

Legacy and Influence

Kroos has not only influenced through his style of play, but also through his behavior off the field. He regularly engages in social projects and founded the Toni Kroos Foundation, which provides support to sick children and their families. This commitment is highly valued by many in the football community and shows another facet of Kroos' personality that goes beyond the playing field (Source: tonikroos-stiftung.de). As a player, he enjoyed the highest respect both nationally and internationally. His playing style, characterized by precision, calmness, and tactical finesse, has inspired many young players. These qualities are often highlighted when talking about his role as a role model in football. "His playing intelligence and technical brilliance are hard to surpass," said Zinedine Zidane, his former coach at Real Madrid (Source: realfc.com). Future plans Despite the impending end of his playing career, Kroos has already hinted at plans for his future. It is speculated that he could take on a role in management or as a football expert. These rumors gained new momentum when he said in the press conference, "I will definitely remain connected to football. There are many ways in which I can pass on my experiences and knowledge." In interviews, Kroos has occasionally mentioned that he could imagine a coaching career. His long-standing experience at the highest level, combined with his deep understanding of the game, could make him an excellent candidate for a future coaching position. Whether he will take this path remains to be seen, but the football world will be closely watching his future steps (Source: sport1.de). Author: Anita Faake Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024