Former Real Madrid player, Ruud van Nistelrooy, has expressed his thoughts on Toni Kroos’ decision to retire.
The German midfielder announced his retirement plans following Euro 2024, which will take place in his home country this summer.
Van Nistelrooy, who recently managed PSV Eindhoven from 2022 to 2023 and played for Real Madrid between 2006 and 2010, shared his views with MARCA:
“I don’t understand Kroos retiring, it’s impossible for me, it can’t be… but hey, Real Madrid have a great team for the future, now also Mbappe is coming.”
Kroos, the 34-year-old midfielder, transferred to Santiago Bernabéu from Bayern Munich for €25 million in 2014 and has amassed 21 titles during his tenure with the club.
These include four La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, four Supercopa de España, four UEFA Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cups, and five FIFA Club World Cups.
In his final season at Santiago Bernabéu, Kroos has contributed to Real Madrid’s La Liga title and Supercopa de España triumphs.
He also has the opportunity to secure his fifth UEFA Champions League title, with Real Madrid set to face Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley Stadium on June 1.
Van Nistelrooy, known for being the top scorer in three separate UEFA Champions League seasons and ranking as the sixth-highest goalscorer in the competition’s history with 56 goals, has also achieved the distinction of being the top scorer in three different European domestic leagues.
During his time at Real Madrid, he won two La Liga titles and the 2008 Supercopa de España. In 2004, he was named in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players.
In the wake of Kroos’ retirement, Real Madrid is reportedly eyeing Manchester City midfielder Rodri as a potential replacement. Although the La Liga champions are keen on the 27-year-old Spaniard, acquiring him might be challenging due to his contract with City running until 2027, according to Tribal Football.
Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich is another potential candidate, per the same report. Rodri, who joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, has a market value of €110 million according to Transfermarkt.
He has scored 26 goals and provided 30 assists in 256 games for the club, winning 11 titles at the Etihad, including the continental treble last season and four consecutive Premier League titles.
