Toni Kroos Eyes Early Retirement From Football?

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German international Toni Kroos has hinted that he may retire at the end of his current contract with Real Madrid, but insists he would never leave the Bernabeu to join arch rivals Barcelona, 90min reports.

Kroos joined Los Blancos in 2014 after a successful seven year stint in his homeland with Bayern Munich. That very year was arguably Kroos’ most successful after he won the World Cup with Germany in the summer before he completing his move to the Spanish giants.

The midfielder has been a permanent feature in the Real Madrid side since his arrival in the Spanish capital and recently signed a new long term contract at the club, rumoured to be worth nearly £108m.

With his deal set to expire in 2022, the 26-year-old has now hinted that he may retire from the game at the end of his contract, whilst also rubbishing rumours he could be tempted to switch to Madrid’s fierce rivals, Barcelona.

Kroos told Kicker (as quoted by Squawka) :

“I do not envisage going to Barcelona. There are certain transfers you simply don’t do. This has a lot to do with respect. Respect for tradition and the fans.

“I will have reached 32 at the end of the contract. I do not forecast playing until 38 or 39.

“At 32 one has already given his best years in football and as for physically it seems a good age to quit, but I do not want to commit to what might happen between now and six years’ time.

“Real Madrid is my club. In the last two-and-a-half years I have grown in a sporting sense and personally.

“From the first day I found a positive response from team-mates, fans and coaches.”

Kroos missed Real Madrid’s recent 2-1 win over Sporting Gijon as he continues to recover from a foot injury.

Los Blancos are currently six points clear at the top of La Liga, partly thanks to their 31-match unbeaten run, which underlines how good they have been this season.

That run is likely to be severely tested next weekend however, as they travel to the Nou Camp to face current champions Barcelona, in the mouthwatering El Clasico fixture.