Real Madrid squad tried to persuade Toni Kroos to reverse retirement decision

Real Madrid have plenty to look forward to in the Champions League final at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund, and the prospect of Kylian Mbappe joining the club. Yet this week no doubt will be dedicated to mourning and celebrating the exit of Toni Kroos, who announced his retirement at the end of the season.

Tickets for his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Betis have already sold out, and a quick glance at the statements released by his teammates show just how much he is valued at Valdebebas. Dani Carvajal has even admitted that they tried to change his mind on the matter.

“We tried, we tried. But it is complicated. Yesterday [on Monday], we already knew a little that he was not going to continue. We didn’t know he was going to release the statement today [Tuesday]. We know what he is like, his mentality, how firm he is with his decisions,” he told Diario AS.

“We are sad because we can enjoy only two more games of him with Real Madrid. We respect his decision. In the end he is the one who chooses how, when and where and we have to support him and be happy for him. And on Saturday, at home, to throw him a great party, he deserves it.”

The squad’s effort fell on deaf ears, but Carvajal’s final statement is unlikely to. The sense of Kroos’ greatness has never been in doubt, but having authored one of his best ever seasons this year, Real Madrid and their fans are all too aware of just how crucial he is to them.