Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend opens up on possible retirement: “I’m hungry for titles”
Speaking in an interview (h/t MARCA), Real Madrid midfielder and icon Toni Kroos has opened up on the possibility of retiring from football, stating that he intends to go out when he is still playing at a good level and not when he is past his best.
Kroos’ future had been a topic of discussion this summer as his contract with Real Madrid stood to expire. But the 33-year-old midfielder renewed his deal for one more year, committing himself to the Merengues until 2024.
Kroos has always maintained that he does not wish to play for any other club after Real Madrid and that he will hang up his boots when he feels his time at the Bernabeu is over.
So, there are speculations that the German international could do so after the next season when his contract expires.
Talking about the possibility of retirement, Kroos said: “There are one or two negative examples, just not being able to quit football when you are no longer the player people have in mind. I don’t want that to happen to me.”
“I want to retire at a really good level.”
Talking about his immediate future, he added: “I have the feeling that this season has gone as well as the last nine in Madrid, why shouldn’t the next one go just as well? I’m still enjoying football and I’m hungry for titles.”
Speaking about his decision to sign a one-year renewal with Real Madrid, Kroos jokingly said: “My wife let me. She allowed me to continue for another year.”
The midfielder also revealed a touching anecdote about receiving a letter from his grandfather after renewing his contract.
“My grandfather wrote to me and said ‘thank you for continuing to play’. It gave me goosebumps.”
Real Madrid’s game against Las Palmas this midweek was an important one for the club.
The Spanish giants secured a 2-0 victory over the Canaries. But more importantly, the game witnessed the return of Vinicius Junior, who was coming back from an injury.
However, it was not the most pleasing return from the Brazilian, who had an altercation with head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Dispute ends without a handshake
A video has surfaced recently which shows that Vinicius Junior and Ancelotti even ended the game without even shaking hands.
The altercation started when Ancelotti was seen talking to Vinicius, asking him to play more freely.
🚨🚨🚨🎥 مترجم |
— شبكة RM4Arab (@RM4Arab) September 28, 2023
خلاف بين فينيسيوس و انشيلوتي ينتهي دون مصافحة بين الطرفين بعد نهاية مباراة لاس بالماس.
pic.twitter.com/BRoi4SFcaC
Vinicius, though, was not happy with the Italian’s tactics. He pointed out his disagreement with Ancelotti and highlighted the team’s lack of structure.
Ancelotti continued to yell at the Brazilian, asking him to play a certain way. The matters turned worse when Vini continued to turn his back on the Real Madrid coach.
After the final whistle, the Brazilian international did glance past Ancelotti without even shaking his hand.
Ancelotti under pressure
This is a worrying sign for Real Madrid and an indicator that the team is not entirely happy with Ancelotti, who has faced criticism despite a relatively good start to the season.
Although the Real Madrid board has continued to back the former AC Milan and PSG coach, the Italian is certainly running on thin ice.
The upcoming games against Girona, Napoli and Osasuna could be crucial as Real Madrid look to maintain their winning momentum, especially following a derby defeat to Atleti.
In the meantime, Ancelotti must definitely have a word with Vinicius and calm the Brazilian, knowing the attacker could play a key role in revving up the team’s offensive unit in the coming weeks.
