Kroos' Retirement, Like Federer's, Shows Timing of a Great

 Even though the midfielder faced criticism throughout his lengthy and prosperous career, he has since subdued every one of them.

Isco appealed to his former teammate, Toni Kroos, to refrain from retiring following another masterful performance by the midfielder in the Madrid derby this past February. The Spaniard commented on Kroos' Instagram post following the match, "We would appreciate the opportunity to observe your performance for an additional two or three years."

Regrettably, Isco's appeal was ignored. Kroos confirmed the news that all Real Madrid supporters had been dreading in May when he announced that he would be retiring from football after Euro 2024.

"I am happy and proud that, in my mind, I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it on my own," said the individual. "My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level."

Kroos has now concluded his career following one of his most exceptional seasons. However, the season ended disappointed at Euro 2024, as Spain defeated Germany's hosts in the quarterfinals. 

Missed Opportunities for Both Bayern and United

Because he was only sometimes given the recognition he deserved, Kroos was always an odd case. He quit Bayern Munich in the summer of 2014 because he felt underappreciated there, especially after the Bavarians refused to give him the same salary as Mario Gotze. The fans have never recovered from this terrible choice.

When Kroos made his final appearance at the Allianz Arena in May, he was met with hostility. In response, he broke their defense apart with a gorgeous pass that Vinicius Jr. tucked home.

Remember the supporters of Manchester United as well. Following his meeting with David Moyes, Kroos consented to move to Old Trafford; however, the deal fell through following the surprise dismissal of the Scot by Louis van Gaal before the conclusion of the 2013–14 season.

But when Germany's World Cup campaign got underway in Brazil, the midfield player was still attempting to decide what to do next when he got a call from Carlo Ancelotti, which opened the door for a transfer to Real Madrid.

The move "changed my life; my life as a footballer - but especially my life as a person," as Kroos later acknowledged. At the largest club in the world, it marked the beginning of a new era." And it ended with the happiest possible resolution.

 

'Mix of quality and mentality'

On June 1, Kroos played his final game for Madrid, assisting Dani Carvajal's key opening goal in a 2-0 Champions League final triumph over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. It was Kroos' fifth European Cup victory with Madrid, and his sixth overall; no player in history has achieved more.

When asked later how Los Blancos had accomplished such incredible success, Kroos remarked, "It's a mix of quality and mentality." He could as well have been talking about himself.

'Always elegant and efficient.'

Naturally, things sometimes went differently than planned. They rarely do at Madrid, and he was occasionally targeted by the Santiago Bernabeu boo boys, most notably during the trophy-less 2018-19 season. But we're talking about a player who says he never feels pressure or gets nervous. In all fairness, what reason do we have to doubt him? Kroos' composure is abnormal.

 

Jamal Musiala has acknowledged being taken away by Kroos' calmness on the ball. At the same time, the great Zinedine Zidane, one of the most gifted footballers the game has ever seen, admits he used to enjoy watching the German train simply.

 

"They're exceptional sessions," the former Madrid coach exclaimed. "I'm not saying it for the sake of it; it's true. I've never seen him lose a ball. His game is consistently elegant and efficient. He has never had a terrible day.

 

Zidane also claimed that Kroos' leadership abilities were drastically underrated for most of his career simply because he is humble and quiet.

 

"Toni is certainly a reticent and reserved boy, but when he speaks, he speaks to anyone - his coach, managers, team-mates - and he does not stop," the famous No.10 told Real France. "I have seen many discussions in which his participation has ended up being key."