Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder to leave club after contract expires, has informed locker room – report
It’s no secret that Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos is pondering early retirement. The 32-year-old’s current deal with the capital club runs until 2023 and if journalist Sergio Santos is to be believed, the World Cup winner will hang his boots for the good by then.
Santos quotes that Kroos has repeated his intentions to his teammates on many occasions in the past. And while his companions are aware of his peculiar nature, they do not really understand whether to take this seriously or not.
However, as the months have progressed, it seems as if the German will, indeed, stay true to his words. The main idea behind an early retirement for Kroos is the end his career on a high.
Basically, he wants to live the phrase “You Either Die A Hero, Or You Live Long Enough To See Yourself Become The Villain.” At only 32 years of age, it’s fair to say that the German still has a lot to offer, but he does not really want to continue until the time his body gives up.
“I don’t see myself playing at 36,” Kroos mentioned back in 2016 when he renewed his Real Madrid deal. This goes on to show that the decision is something that has not been taken just yet. In fact, it’s been on his mind ever since.
Following Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Barcelona, manager Carlo Ancelotti was asked whether Kroos will really end his career prematurely, to which the Italian said,
“He knows what we all think: me, the teammates, the club. Nothing more. We don’t need to push him, he’s so serious, so professional… Whatever decision he makes, we’ll be happy.”
It’s not that Real Madrid have made peace with his decision altogether. In fact, they have already offered him a new deal, but Kroos prefers to wait.
Now, waiting does not necessarily mean he would end up renewing. “When this contract ends, I’m leaving,” this is what the World Cup winner has repeated to his teammates in the locker room and the decision will stay intact.
So for now, all Real Madrid can do is to churn everything possible out of the 32-year-old this season. Once that is done, they can start the hunt eventually.
According to MARCA, Eder Militao is seen as the undisputed leader of the Real Madrid defence, thanks to his ‘impeccable’ level of performances. The 25-year-old’s standing in the team has forced a duel between David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger for the second centre-back slot.
Militao arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2019, joining from FC Porto in a deal worth €50 million. While he made a slow start to life in Spain, the Brazilian slowly grew in stature from his second season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Following the exits of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Militao established himself as a permanent fixture in the backline for the Merengues and was a standout performer last season as they won the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League trophy.
The 25-year-old has carried on in the same vein of form this season as well, featuring in 35 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid, even chipping in with six goals.
The Brazilian international is seen as one of the best centre-backs in the world currently, with Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti sharing that opinion.
“I may lose credibility if I say Vinicius and Militão are the best striker and defender in the world respectively but it’s the truth. I am honest. Militão lacks nothing,” he had said last month.
Militao is not only viewed as the leader of the Real Madrid defence, but has also grown into a leader within the locker room as well, with the player being loved and fully supported by his teammates.
Militao’s presence has meant that Alaba and Rudiger have had to battle it out for the lone centre-back slot. The former had enjoyed a stunning season last time out after joining from Bayern Munich in 2021, but has struggled with injuries and fitness problems this term.
As for Rudiger, the German arrived last summer from Chelsea and started out slow, but has grown in confidence and stature, especially in recent months. So much so that, his signing is already being regarded as a success within the club.
In Militao, Real Madrid undoubtedly have a long-term fixture at the heart of the defence. But with Rudiger and Alaba in their thirties, the Merengues must look to bring in one more player who can take over from them in the near future and can form a partnership with Militao.
