Real Madrid legend opens up on possible retirement: “I’m hungry for titles” | OneFootball

Speaking in an interview (h/t MARCA), Real Madrid midfielder and icon Toni Kroos has opened up on the possibility of retiring from football, stating that he intends to go out when he is still playing at a good level and not when he is past his best.

Kroos’ future had been a topic of discussion this summer as his contract with Real Madrid stood to expire. But the 33-year-old midfielder renewed his deal for one more year, committing himself to the Merengues until 2024.

Kroos has always maintained that he does not wish to play for any other club after Real Madrid and that he will hang up his boots when he feels his time at the Bernabeu is over.

So, there are speculations that the German international could do so after the next season when his contract expires.

Talking about the possibility of retirement, Kroos said: “There are one or two negative examples, just not being able to quit football when you are no longer the player people have in mind. I don’t want that to happen to me.”

“I want to retire at a really good level.”

Talking about his immediate future, he added: “I have the feeling that this season has gone as well as the last nine in Madrid, why shouldn’t the next one go just as well? I’m still enjoying football and I’m hungry for titles.”

Speaking about his decision to sign a one-year renewal with Real Madrid, Kroos jokingly said: “My wife let me. She allowed me to continue for another year.”

The midfielder also revealed a touching anecdote about receiving a letter from his grandfather after renewing his contract.

“My grandfather wrote to me and said ‘thank you for continuing to play’. It gave me goosebumps.”