Real Madrid Legend Toni Kroos Discusses Coming Out Of Retirement

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos briefly discussed the prospect of coming out of retirement, or how little chance there is of that happening, during an episode of the Einfach mal Luppen podcast he regularly hosts with his brother Felix.

Kroos memorably announced his shock exit from the game at the age of 34 earlier this year, with his last game in Madrid's iconic white shirt a Champions League final win over compatriots Borussia Dortmund at Wembley back in June.

The midfielder officially hung his boots up after Germany were beaten on home soil by eventual winners Spain at the Euros, and dumped out of the last eight.

And with the 2024/2025 club season now well underway while Los Blancos evidently struggle to deal with his absence in the center of the park, Kroos threw cold water on the prospect of being convinced to go back on his decision.

"My retirement is immovable, it is a fact that must be accepted and it makes no sense to say 'he's not there'. That's not going to change in the next game," he stated.

"It doesn't do anyone any good to say, 'He's not there.' It's a compliment to know you've been important, but it's about how the team adapts now."

Furthermore, Kroos thinks it is off key to talk as though Carlo Ancelotti's men never suffered difficult moments when he was plying his trade.

"People always say, and it's not true, that with me we won all the games 4-0. Things don't look good, for sure, but we didn't always play wonderfully either. We often had problems with myself [playing], that can't be forgotten," he stated.

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"Madrid adapted when Cristiano [Ronaldo] was not there, [Sergio] Ramos... who are absolute legends. Madrid knew how to adapt over time and continue to win, we won two Champions League without them. The same thing will happen to me. It may take a while for them to adapt, but the players there are very good."

Kroos explained that he always wants his former club to do well and win every match.

"I've heard many times that they miss me. It's nice to hear it, but on the other hand I don't want to hear it because it's derogatory for those who are on the field."

He now views Real Madrid's games "from a different perspective". "It's a bit strange to me, but I still see them as part of the team, I can't ignore it. However, I don't feel the need to say, 'I really want to play.'"