‘Most successful German footballer’ – Legendary striker pays tribute to Toni Kroos | OneFootball

It is almost unbelievable that Toni Kroos will only play two more games as a Real Madrid player. The German superstar has always wished to hang his boots at the club, but not many saw it coming so soon.

The European Championships next month will be the midfield maestro’s final tournament as a professional football player, as announced by the player himself earlier today.

His decision has caused tributes to fall in from all across the globe, for his retirement marks the end of an era not only for Real Madrid but for German football.

Speaking to the media via Phillip Kessler after the Real Madrid star’s breaking announcement, German legend and World Cup winner Miroslav Klose opened up on his view on Toni Kroos’ career and shared some special stories with the star.

“There are no words for Kroos. To fight his way through at Real Madrid like that, to play such a strong role in such a big team, with players – even in the national team – looking up to him – it’s incredible,” he began, showering praise on his compatriot on an illustrious career.

He then dived back into his days with Kroos at Bayern Munich and how he was always impressed by Kroos’ abilities and development.

“I loved playing with him so much. I can still remember our time together at FC Bayern: he was only 17 years old at the time, back then he played on the left side and set up a lot of goals for me from that position.”

“At some point, he moved to the centre of the pitch and became a ball machine of the highest level. The way Toni can also read the game is incredible,” he added.

Kroos and Klose in action for Germany in 2014. (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Kroos announced his return to the German National Team earlier this year and made an enormous impact on the team immediately upon his return. Speaking on Kroos’ influence as a leader, Klose said,

“In the two games after his national team comeback, you could already see what he can do with a team. It was incredible. You can still see what a great player he is.”

The legend then commented on what impressed him the most about the Real Madrid superstar and why he stood out as one of the best ever.

“The most important thing about him is that he has remained normal despite his great successes. That impresses me, that’s his great strength.”

“The humanity that characterises him cannot be topped. There aren’t as many hats as I’d like to tip to him,” he added.

Finally, he wished his former club and international teammate a fitting retirement, especially with both the UCL final and the European Championships coming up.

“He has achieved so much. I’m happy for him because he deserves it all, he’s earned it all himself. My last game was the World Cup final when we beat Argentina in the Maracana. I wish Toni a similar retirement.”

“He’s already the most successful German footballer. He can now win two more titles with the Champions League and European Championship. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for him. That would be the worthy farewell he deserves,” he concluded.