sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Real Madrid Star Considering Early Retirement

Real Madrid Star Considering Early Retirement

"There is no plan that includes playing football at 38 or 39"

Joe Baiamonte

Joe Baiamonte

Featured Image: PA

Most modern footballers may be more than comfortable playing well into their late 30's and early 40's (never retire, Francesco) but that doesn't seem to be the plan for Real Madrid's midfield metronome, Toni Kroos.

Germany international Kroos recently signed a new contract at the Bernabeu which will keep him in the Spanish capital until 2022, when he'll turn 32 and, if the former Bayern Munich man sticks to his current career plan, that's when he'll call time on his playing days.

Speaking to Kicker, Kroos said, "I will be 32 by the time my contract ends, and that's certainly a point where I won't have a long way to go as a player, or at least that's the plan right now. Sure, I don't know how I'll feel then, but there is no plan that includes playing football at 38 or 39. If I were to predict it today, it's more likely that I'll call it a day. But I can't give an exact prognosis yet."

Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos

Just the six years left for big Toni? (Image: PA)

However, despite Kroos' claims about early retirement, the World Cup and Champions League winning midfielder is refusing to be held to any promises just yet:

"I think at 32 you are past your prime as a footballer. There are differences. Bastian Schweinsteiger is struggling with injuries more often than Philipp Lahm. I think it's important to have an idea and try to stay fit for as long as possible. But I'd say it's a good age to retire. But I won't necessarily be held to my words in six years."

Kroos, a professional since the age of 17, could probably retire now and still be sitting on a career that will be unsurpassed by the majority of his fellow pros.

(H/T Fox Sports)

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football, Toni Kroos, Germany, Real Madrid