Legendary Real Madrid forward Toni Kroos has said that the success that Los Blancos have had this season is a factor in his decision to retire from football. Kroos has one more game left for the club at Wembley. He has decided to retire in part because he can do it with a La Liga and Champions League double.

At the same time, he informed Cadena SER that he still planned to return to international competition for one more tournament regardless of whether the Euros were held in Germany or any other country.

No way. It seemed like they were counting on me. I was called by Nagelsmann. Their struggles after the World Cup in Qatar were plain to see in the games I saw. I told you that Nagelsmann called me and asked whether I would like to play in the European Championships. After giving it some thought, I answered yes. Physically, I am in good shape, and that is what matters the most. After a long season, it’s playing in a tournament. I believe that our current team is capable of far more than what we have accomplished thus far.

The 34-year-old Kroos, who is four years his junior, disagreed with Modric’s statement that he intended to stay as long as he felt strong and could make a contribution.

“No. These two instances are distinct. As far as our careers are concerned, I believe Luka and I have slightly different opinions. Luka, on the other hand, is still a big football fan. I hope I get to leave this world on a high note, with my body in tip-top shape, so I can enjoy the rest of my life to the fullest.

I am grateful to have been able to play through this level at the age of 34, and I hope to retire from football without any health issues. My lifelong goal has always been to play a significant role for my team till the end of my playing career. It seems like the right time for this, and I’m feeling great right now.

Since Kroos is one of the few midfielders presently able to dictate the pace of the game, Los Blancos will surely miss him greatly. It would be impossible to find another footballer with his qualities, as Carlo Ancelotti has observed. Kroos later in the interview agreed with Ancelotti, saying that Real Madrid’s strength is winning, regardless of whether they locate a similar player or not. Still, without him, Ancelotti will need to come up with other strategies to win.