Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recently expressed his admiration for Toni Kroos, labeling him as “one of the best midfielders in the history of football.” Ancelotti also mentioned his respect for Kroos’ decision to retire from professional football after playing for Germany at the European Championship. Kroos, at the age of 34, has had a remarkable career, winning 22 trophies with Madrid since joining the club in 2014, including four Champions League titles and four LaLiga titles.
In a news conference ahead of Madrid’s last league game of the season, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of veterans and legends like Kroos choosing their destinies. He acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player of Kroos’ caliber but expressed confidence in the squad’s abilities to adapt. This sentiment was echoed in Ancelotti’s acknowledgment that youngsters within the team must step up and take on more responsibility in Kroos’ absence.
Throughout the current campaign, Kroos has showcased career-best form, standing out among Madrid’s next generation of players. Ancelotti applauded Kroos’ decision to retire at the top of his game, recognizing the courage required to make such a choice. As Kroos aims to conclude his career with potentially three major trophies, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of focusing on the present moment and the upcoming challenges rather than dwelling on Kroos’ impending departure.
Looking ahead to a Madrid squad without Kroos, Ancelotti highlighted the technical prowess and quality that Kroos brought to the team. However, he emphasized the need to shift focus towards bidding farewell to Kroos and preparing for upcoming fixtures, including the Champions League final. Ancelotti noted that despite efforts to persuade Kroos to reconsider his decision, the German midfielder remained steadfast in his choice to retire.
Lastly, Ancelotti confirmed that Aurélien Tchouaméni would miss the Champions League final due to a foot injury. Despite hopes for his recovery, Tchouaméni’s absence from the final match was confirmed by Ancelotti, underscoring the challenges faced by the team in adapting to unforeseen circumstances.
The legacy of Toni Kroos within the realm of professional football is one of unparalleled success, technical brilliance, and a commitment to retiring at the pinnacle of his career. As Ancelotti and the Madrid squad prepare to bid farewell to Kroos, they must also navigate the challenges of adapting to a future without the midfield maestro.