Toni Kroos not ruling out future Real Madrid return – ‘Will always remain my home’

It has been almost a couple of years since Toni Kroos decided to retire from professional football, and that too, during the peak of his powers.

Since then, Real Madrid are still yet to find a replacement for the German legend, whose absence has been felt in the middle third of the pitch.

In a recent interview (h/t MARCA ), Kroos has opened up about his life at Real Madrid , his decision to retire, among other things.

First and foremost, Kroos reflected on his decision to retire from professional football, stating that he wanted to retire during the peak of his powers.

“I wanted people to remember me as a decisive player, not as a player who sits on the substitutes’ bench in his final years,” he said.

Kroos indeed retired from club football after winning the UEFA Champions League, though he did play for the German national team in the following World Cup. The midfielder revealed how difficult it was to inform Florentino Perez about his decision to retire.

Toni Kroos is a club legend. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

“When you win the Champions League, and you’re at the peak of your level, and the president comes to you with a smile saying: ‘Alright, see you here next year,’ it takes tremendous mental strength to say no,” he said.

Talking about Perez, Kroos lauded the Real Madrid president and highlighted their healthy relationship.

“I’ve always felt appreciated at Real Madrid . Florentino wasn’t just a president; he knew when to push and when to give you space. Our relationship is built on unshakable mutual respect,” he said.

Kroos. who has recently heaped praise on Federico Valverde , was also about Real Madrid’s life without him in the middle of the park, to which he put the club over himself.

“Real Madrid always wins, before me and after me. The team has amazing young talents, and they just need time to adapt to a new playing style without a classic playmaker in the back. No one is irreplaceable; the club is always above everyone,” he said.

Finally and perhaps most importantly, Kroos confirmed that he does indeed want to return to Real Madrid one day, though he also admitted that he is currently on a break.

“Real Madrid will always remain my home. I don’t rule out returning one day to work at the club in any administrative or technical capacity, but not now. Currently, I need a break from the packed match schedule and constant travel,” he concluded.