Toni Kroos announced that his career will come to an end following this summer's European Championship.
The Real Madrid midfielder still has another Champions League final to play in before representing Germany in his home nation this summer, and has decided hang up his boots in the aftermath. There was the suggestion that Kroos would be offered a new contract in the Spanish capital, and it was only in March that the 34-year-old emerged from international retirement.
Kroos released a statement to reveal that Real Madrid would be his last club. He said: "I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it by my own.
"My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level. From now on there is only one leading thought: a por la 15!!! HALA MADRID Y NADA MAS!"
The German's decision has received mixed reactions with the likes of Gareth Bale and Jude Bellingham paying tribute to the superstar. The England international's message was simply a broken heart and a goat.
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Real Madrid star Lucas Vasquez did not appear impressed with Kroos' decision and jokingly delivered a more x-rated response in frustration. "F**k you' he posted. Kroos has not been short of receiving compliments throughout his career and Mirror Football takes a look at some below.
Juan Roman Riquelme
The former Argentina international and Boca Juniors star had an elegant summation of Kroos' talents. "Toni Kroos is the closest thing I have seen to Roger Federer playing tennis," he said.
Riquelme played for Villarreal as well as Boca Juniors and Barcelona (Getty Images)Pep Guardiola
The Man City boss enjoyed a brief stint in charge of the retiring star at Bayern Munich. Kroos made an impression.
"Toni is a very intelligent, very brainy and very calm player," explained Guardiola. "Many times, when things go badly, we tend to blame the players that seem calmer or more technical. But these players are the bravest, the ones that have the most courage.
"The players that shout the most are those that hide when things go badly. Toni is the opposite, he's the bravest of them all in the most difficult moments."
Zinedine Zidane
It would appear that Kroos was a manager's joy to work with, and watch. Former Real Madrid boss and Zidane said: "I love to watch Toni train.
"I love to be there for his training sessions. They're exceptional sessions. I'm not saying it for the sake of it. It's true.
"I've never seen him lose the ball. Well, maybe once. His game is always elegant and efficient. He never has a bad day.
Zinedine ZIDANE head coach speak to Toni KROOS of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid at Parc des Princes on September 18, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images) (GETTY)"He loves football and always wants to play. I think it's something that unites us. He loves football. For me, playing is the main thing. Winning, yes, but playing is the main thing and it's like that for both of us."
Casemiro
Few will have enjoyed a better view of Kroos' talents than his Real Madrid bodyguard for many years. Casemiro said: "Real Madrid matches always go in Kroos' rhythm.
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"He's one of the most important players at the club because he manages the ball and the rhythm with which we play. If Toni wants to play slowly, we play slowly. If he wants us to play quicker, we play quicker. We play in Kroos' way."
Luka Modric
Another stalwart of Kroos' Real Madrid career. Receiving high praise from the Croatian legend only adds to Kroos' aura. "At Real Madrid, you're not allowed to be less than good and Kroos is an exceptional player, he looks like he's playing in slow motion," said Modric.
Carlo Ancelotti
Kroos' current boss said of the possibility of the midfielder retiring in February, "What do I think? I think if he does that, he has character, he has balls.”
Also speaking earlier this season, the Italian said: "He is unique because he doesn't miss passes and always chooses the best solution. He is a midfielder who wants the ball. He has no means of pressure. The best thing is the control and orientation he has. Toni Kroos is also irreplaceable when he doesn't play."
Xavi
Barcelona's boss appears to rate his rival very highly. Speaking in 2017 Xavi declared Kroos his successor to Sportbild.
"I think he's the engine of the Real Madrid team, he has a style of play that reminds me alot of myself. he's also my successor on the football field."
Xavi fights for the ball with Germany's midfielder Toni Kroos (LLUIS GENE/AFP)Ilkay Gundogan
The Barcelona midfielder will be pleased to have Kroos alongside him this summer by the sounds of things. “It’s a great feeling to have Toni by your side," he explained.
"There aren’t many creative players in European football who have Toni’s qualities. I expect a lot from him. I think we will manage him very well.”
Florentino Perez
The Real Madrid president signed Kroos in 2014 and holds him among his very best transfers at the Bernabeu.
"Santiago Bernabeu told us that the best players in the world have to play here," Perez said. "That's why I signed Zidane, Ronaldo, Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kroos...
"Signing the best tells the rest of the world that the best players in each position are going to play here. Kroos has a style that makes people want to go to a stadium to watch him. For me, he's been one of those players that was born to play for Real Madrid."
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