‘Have to respect and support him’ – Real Madrid defender on Toni Kroos’ retirement | OneFootball

Just as they did last season, Real Madrid tried tirelessly to convince Toni Kroos to stay put for an additional season, especially with the midfielder continuing to churn out consistent displays.

But opting to call it a day after achieving numerous titles and accolades, Kroos recently announced his retirement.

The decision has unsurprisingly received a great deal of attention considering the German’s influence on the sport and status as one of the best midfielders to have ever kicked a ball.

And the Real Madrid dressing room has not hidden their sadness following the publication of the news.

Carvajal opens up about Kroos’ retirement

Dani Carvajal shared an emotional message bidding Kroos farewell on his Instagram page and has now answered how he and the team feel after learning about the midfielder’s exit via MARCA.

The Real Madrid veteran revealed Kroos’ departure comes across as a tough blow, given that there are only two more games left for him to don the royal white jersey.

“Well, we all know about Toni’s quality and what he has given us all these years and we are sad because we can only enjoy two more games with Real Madrid,” Carvajal professed.

Real Madrid captains. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

Kroos joined the Merengues back in 2014 and went on to create a lasting legacy. Carvajal acknowledged the 34-year-old’s status as a Madrid legend and the difficulty future torchbearers will find emulating his success.

“We respect his decision. In the end, he is the one who chooses when, how and where and we support him. He is a Real Madrid legend. He came young and few players can repeat the decade he has spent here,” he claimed.

Kroos’ statement was unexpected

“Yesterday we already knew a little that he was not going to continue. We did not know that he was going to give the statement today. Support him, respect him and throw him a great party that he deserves it,” Carvajal added.

Carvajal admitted that the squad tried to convince Kroos to continue, but it was complicated knowing what his mentality is like and how he seldom turns back on a decision.

“We try to convince him to continue but it is complicated. We know what his mentality is like and how firm he is with his decisions. We have to respect and support him.

“We are happy for him because if it is what he wants then we are fully with him,” Carvajal remarked.