Luka Modric leads Toni Kroos tributes from Real Madrid players

Real Madrid star Luka Modric has paid tribute to longstanding midfield partner Toni Kroos following the German's decision to retire after Euro 2024 this summer.

Kroos will call time on his glittering career at the relatively young age of 34, having dominated at club level with five Champions League titles and also getting his hands on the World Cup in 2014.

He has just two more games with Madrid ahead of him as the club wraps up in La Liga against Real Betis on Saturday night, before contesting the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. Kroos’ career will then be at an end whenever Germany's Euro 2024 journey finishes.

"Having a hard time writing these words," Modric said as he posted on Instagram alongside a number of picture of the pair together. "The football world is sad because a historic footballer is leaving, and I admit to you, I am also very sad.

"Man, you are a legend of this sport and a legend of Real Madrid. I really enjoyed playing by your side. It's truly been an honour to share Real Madrid's central midfield with you. You have qualities that make you a unique and special footballer, and there will never be another Toni Kroos.

"Unforgettable European nights, titles, the magic of the Bernabeu....we will never forget this golden time in the club of our lives. You achieved everything but we still have one left, let's go for the 15th [European Cup]. I'll miss you, my friend."

luka modric leads toni kroos tributes from real madrid players

Kroos has two games left with Real Madrid | Diego Souto/GettyImages

Modric is one of the few players who has been at Madrid longer than Kroos, having himself arrived in 2012. They have spent a decade together since the German's transfer from Bayern Munich in 2014, at which point he had been close to joining Manchester United instead.

But Modric was the only one to share their thoughts about a departing great.

"One year was not enough," Jude Bellingham said of his sole season as Kroos’ teammate.

"Thank you for everything you have given to the game, it's been an absolute pleasure to enjoy your football and personality as a fan and even more so as a teammate. Still some more work to do this season but wish you all the best for whatever is next for you and your family. LEGEND."

Vinicius Junior started his tribute with one word: "Genius."

The Brazilian said, "It was the closest word I could find to define you, Toni. And yet it is far from what you deserve. It is a sad day for me and for the Madrid fans. But it is a terrible day for football. Knowing that soon we won't have you anymore.

"You could give much more, much more. But I understand you. Thank you for every pass, for every orientation and for allowing us to learn so much in these years. We love you! Go for the 15th for you. What a great person he is, Toni Kroos."

READ THE LATEST REAL MADRID NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP

This article was originally published on www.90min.com as Luka Modric leads Toni Kroos tributes from Real Madrid players.

OTHER NEWS

19 minutes ago

Tory ‘blame game’ begins early as Jenrick and Patel float leadership bids

19 minutes ago

New York City turns retired power station into something incredible: 'Able to power more than 10,000 households'

19 minutes ago

The Guardian view on councils in need: voters should be told what the parties’ plans are

19 minutes ago

Cleverly says aide described Rwanda policy as 'crap' for 'dramatic effect'

22 minutes ago

‘This could have been anybody’s daughter’: Vigil held for Surrey homicide victim

22 minutes ago

Israel's military is investigating an incident in which a Palestinian was strapped to a vehicle

24 minutes ago

Three-bedroom home in San Fran hits the market for $490,000 - but there's a big catch

24 minutes ago

Highly touted prospect expected to join Flyers next season

24 minutes ago

Yankees acquire J.D. Davis from Athletics for Jordan Groshans

24 minutes ago

Recapping Dubois' Year With The Los Angeles Kings

24 minutes ago

Tartan Army parties ahead of match

24 minutes ago

England and Denmark fans agree

24 minutes ago

The best Portuguese players ever

24 minutes ago

Small boat crossings since Rishi Sunak became PM set to pass 50,000 within 24 hours

24 minutes ago

Derry can't fear anybody in last eight - Harte

24 minutes ago

‘This region is special, but even many French people don’t realise it exists’

24 minutes ago

20mph sign from Welsh governments hated scheme vandalised eight times

27 minutes ago

Michael J. Fox shares sweet message for wife on her birthday: 'It's beautiful Tracy's beautiful day'

29 minutes ago

Ex Bucs DT Predicts Franchise to Claim Fourth Straight Division Title in 2024

29 minutes ago

Jack Smith Doesn't 'Mince Words' in New Aileen Cannon Motion—Legal Analyst

29 minutes ago

Dynamic duo celebrate Father's Day with horse race at Woodbine Racetrack

29 minutes ago

Kliff Kingsbury Key to 'Quick Turnaround' For Commanders?

29 minutes ago

Chiefs' Mahomes Set to Join Another Group of All-Time Elite QBs

29 minutes ago

Dan Morgan made right move for Panthers by trading Brian Burns

29 minutes ago

These are the debate ‘traps’ Republicans fear Trump may fall into

29 minutes ago

Dak Prescott’s defenders are missing a key point

29 minutes ago

Chris Jordan and Jos Buttler dominate as England thrash US to reach T20 World Cup semi-finals

29 minutes ago

Community honors victims of 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting during new building’s groundbreaking ceremony

29 minutes ago

Lorraine Kelly's overjoyed daughter Rosie reveals she's got engaged to her boyfriend ahead of their baby's birth - and shows off a SPECTACULAR sparkler in the Spanish sunshine

29 minutes ago

Christina Milian cuts a classy figure in royal blue button up dress as she hits the carpet at Vogue World Paris

29 minutes ago

Video: Thousands of Tartan Army supporters descend on Stuttgart ahead of crunch Euro 2024 clash with Hungary with fans knowing a draw for Steve Clark's side may not be good enough

29 minutes ago

Video: Thousands of Tartan Army supporters descend on Stuttgart ahead of crunch Euro 2024 clash with Hungary with fans knowing a draw for Steve Clark's side may not be good enough

29 minutes ago

Stacey Solomon slips into a plunging black swimsuit as she rings in the first pool day of the year at Pickle Cottage

29 minutes ago

Emily In Paris star Ashley Park puts on a VERY busty display as she dazzles in a giant shiny bow dress at Vogue World Paris

29 minutes ago

Video: Thousands of Tartan Army supporters descend on Stuttgart ahead of crunch Euro 2024 clash with Hungary with fans knowing a draw for Steve Clark's side may not be good enough

29 minutes ago

Video: Thousands of Tartan Army supporters descend on Stuttgart ahead of crunch Euro 2024 clash with Hungary with fans knowing a draw for Steve Clark's side may not be good enough

29 minutes ago

Video: Thousands of Tartan Army supporters descend on Stuttgart ahead of crunch Euro 2024 clash with Hungary with fans knowing a draw for Steve Clark's side may not be good enough

36 minutes ago

Heat wave scorches US East Coast as dangerous temperatures expand to West

36 minutes ago

Slovenia XI vs England: Benjamin Sesko injury latest, predicted lineup and confirmed Euro 2024 team news

36 minutes ago

NFL analysts' bold prediction for Indianapolis Colts isn't bold at all