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Toni Kroos has hinted at a potential return to Real Madrid in the future, despite officially retiring from professional football in the summer of 2024. The German midfielder, who ended his illustrious career after a decade at the club, made his final appearance in a Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund in June. At 34, Kroos retired while still in excellent form, having recently come off a solid season with Madrid.
Although Kroos has stayed away from competitive football since his retirement and his Germany side's elimination from Euro 2024, he revealed that he remains open to a return to Real Madrid in some capacity down the line. Speaking on the podcast Einfach mal Luppen, which he co-hosts with his brother, Kroos said, “Now I’m fully occupied with my projects, but given the closeness with Madrid, my relationship at Madrid, I would never rule out doing something at the club at some point in the future.”
During his ten-year spell at Real Madrid, Kroos won 22 major trophies, including five Champions League titles, and cemented his place as one of the club's all-time great midfielders. His deep affection for the club is evident, as he explained, “The meaning of Real will always be the same for me. It was a long, great, successful and also loving time with Real Madrid.” His bond with the club remains strong, and he reiterated that he will always defend Real Madrid, regardless of what his future holds.
Despite his openness to a return, Kroos clarified that it wouldn't be in the near future. When asked if he would reappear in any public capacity at the club, he firmly responded, “No, no matter how close I feel to the club.” However, he stopped short of ruling out the possibility of returning in some role at a later time. “I’m not saying I’m not going to do or have anything to do with Real again in my life," Kroos admitted. "Of course, I wouldn’t rule it out."
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has previously extended an open invitation for Kroos to return, jokingly saying, “We are waiting for you to change your mind.” Despite his retirement, Kroos’s ongoing connection to the club and his legacy suggest that his association with Real Madrid may not be over yet. Whether in an official capacity or not, his deep ties to the club and affection for its supporters indicate he could return to the fold in the future.
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