“Because it feels right”
Toni Kroos makes his grandfather happy with a new contract
06/21/2023, 4:50 p.m
Toni Kroos’ grandfather is happy because his grandson extends his contract at Real Madrid. The 33-year-old is still a year away – and at the same time announces that he will only continue his career when it comes to titles. Kroos has already won 20 of these, more than any other German footballer.
As expected, Toni Kroos has extended his expiring contract with Real Madrid by a year until June 30, 2024. It was the right decision, above all “because it feels good, because it feels right,” said Kroos in his podcast “Einfach mal Luppen” after the royals had previously announced the contract extension. A few weeks ago he accepted the offer, the negotiations were easy as always: “I see that as a huge appreciation.”
The 2014 world champion is entering his tenth season with the successful Spanish club. In 417 games so far, the 33-year-old midfield strategist has won 20 titles with Real, including four times the Champions League alone, and he has a total of five triumphs in the premier class. In terms of titles, he is by far the most successful German soccer professional.
The fact that he only extended by one year was just right for him. “It’s important for me to stop at a high level and not crawl around there for another three years, the main thing is that I’m still here. It’s easier for me now to look ahead a year than two years,” said the family man in conversation with his brother Felix.
Play soccer for fun? Nothing for Kroos
He made his decision some time ago, especially since it was always clear that he would not leave Real. At the beginning of the year, however, he did not yet know exactly whether he would continue. But he has the feeling that he can still give the team something, “to still be important. I’m still as hot as I was 15 years ago to win these games, to win titles,” said Kroos.
He continues to enjoy the pressure and the expectation of success that prevail at Blancos. “I couldn’t go somewhere where I’m suddenly playing for an apple and an egg, seventh or eighth place. There are many who go somewhere for two or three years because football is fun. I couldn’t do that.” , said Kroos, who left open whether it was his last year as a professional footballer: “Why should I close it in both directions now, there’s no reason at all”.
His grandfather was particularly pleased with his decision. “Grandpa was so sweet. He said: Thank you for continuing to play, I had goosebumps,” said Kroos.