Toni Kroos Not Tempted To Delay Retirement To Play With Kylian Mbappe

JAKARTA - Toni Kroos said that he was not tempted to postpone his retirement to play with Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid.

He admits it's not easy to tell Manager Carlo Ancelotti that he has decided to leave the club in May 2024.

Kroos won 23 trophies in a decade at Los Blancos, including five Champions Leagues, before retiring last summer, after appearing with the German national team at Euro 2024.

The 2014 World Cup winner was able to end his career well at the age of 34 after winning La Liga and Champions League titles last season.

"That decision does not depend on whether a player will come or leave," Kroos told Marca when asked if he was considering staying in Madrid to play with Mbappe, who approved a five-year contract in June 2024.

"That's my decision. I knew Mbappe would come. I'm glad he did it because he would help the team."

"He could have come two years ago, but now he's finally here. However, Mbappe did not affect my decision," he said again.

Kroos told how he delivered the news to Ancelotti, who coached the midfielder for two terms while he was on duty in Madrid.

"It was very difficult for me to tell Carlo. He hopes I will continue to play. We have a very good relationship."

"He was my first coach here, and it's not easy to tell him, but everything in life is coming to an end."

"I know he won't get angry, but he's going to be a little sad. It's also not easy for me because something very special has ended."

"I tried to choose the right moment. I was lucky we won La Liga by a thin margin."

"Iya said there was the right time, between La Liga and the Champions League final. After 10 years, everyone got to know me very well,"

"They know if I've made a decision and think about it carefully, there's no way to go back."

"The boss (Ancelotti) told me: 'You're German, nothing can be done, right?'" said Kroos.

Kroos' number 8 jersey at Real Madrid has been awarded to Federico Valverde, who is now tasked with replacing his role in midfield.

"I love (Valverde) as a person and as a player. I believed in him and that's why I gave him the jersey number 8, I thought it could be good for him."

"Now he has to take responsibility for playing and taking the risks I take on the pitch. Now it's his turn. I think he can do it," Kroos said.

Toni Kroos announced his retirement from his professional football career on May 21, 2024, before Euro 2024.

Euro 2024 will be his last event with Der Panzer. While his last match in La Liga came when Real Madrid host Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu on May 25, 2024.

Kroos received an extraordinary welcome and respect from supporters Los Blancos as soon as he was replaced in the 86th minute.