We now know how Real Madrid player Federico Valverde feels about inheriting his friend Toni Kroos’ jersey number.

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After Germany’s 2024 Euro campaign, the 34-year-old declared he will be retiring from professional football.Real Madrid’s upper management has spent years trying to get their engine room lynchpin, Toni Kroos, to agree to new terms, but Kroos has decided it’s time to retire.

The aforementioned hint that the number of the former Bayern Munich player will be available for next season’s game is correct.

The number eight jersey that Kroos has worn for so long at the Santiago Bernabéu is one that many players on Carlo Ancelotti’s team undoubtedly crave.

But according to most sources, one player is clearly the favorite to win the eight.

Which player is this? Juan Carlos Valverde.

What little information has leaked out from the media so far suggests that Valverde is more than willing to shoulder this burden.

According to Diario AS:

“Valverde loves the ‘8’,” he said, “because of its symbolic value, its position in the eleven, and the fact that he would be Kroos’ successor.”

Being nominated to replace his veteran midfield partner is an immense honor for Valverde, who has long looked up to him.

Although Aurélien Tchouaméni is likewise interested in the jersey, Real Madrid and Kroos have both settled on Valverde as the “heir” to the position Kroos currently holds at the Bernabéu.