ammonnews.net

Ammon News - Toni Kroos has announced his retirement after ten years at Real Madrid ahead of his club's Champions League final at Wembley next month.

The Germany international is set to retire from football altogether after taking part in his home European Championships in June, and shared a poignant message announcing his decision on Instagram.

The 34-year-old said that he was 'happy and proud' that the Spanish giants were his 'his last club', and stressed his desire to end on a high against Borussia Dortmund in Europe's flagship competition.

Kroos will play his final LaLiga game of the season against Real Betis on Saturday, after Carlo Ancelotti's side clinched the title with two weeks left to play.

The midfielder took to social media to share his gratitude for having spend the last decade at the Bernabeu, as well as paying tribute to the club's fans.

'July 17th, 2014 - the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life,' Kroos began.

'My life as a footballer - but especially as a person. It was the start of a new chapter at the biggest club in the world. After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget that insolent successful time!

'I would particularly like to thank everyone that welcomed me with an open heart and trusted me. But especially I would like to thank you, dear Madridistas, for your affection and your love from the first day until the last one.

'At the same time this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship.

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

'From now on there is only one leading thought: a por la 15!!! HALA MADRID Y NADA MAS!'

During his decorated tenure at the club, Kroos has won four league titles, the Copa del Rey, four Supercopa de Espanas, three UEFA Super Cups, the Club World Cup on five occasions, and a titanic four Champions League trophies.

Daily Mail