Toni Kroos: Cristiano Ronaldo Pens Tribute to German Midfielder After Retirement Announcement

• Toni Kroos took fans by surprise on Tuesday when he announced his retirement from football
• His announcement prompted glowing tributes from fans and footballers, including Cristiano
• Ronaldo and Kroos played together for four years at Real Madrid before the former departed

Cristiano Ronaldo is among the high-profile footballers who have paid tribute to Toni Kroos ahead of his retirement.

Kroos caught many by surprise when he confirmed on Tuesday, May 21, that he would be hanging his boots.

According to SPORTbible, the German legend disclosed that he will be officially calling time on his illustrious career after this summer's Euro 2024.

"I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it by my own," Kroos said in a lengthy post on Instagram.

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"My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level," he added.

The midfielder's decision to quit the game came after his future with Real Madrid was plunged into doubt.

The uncertainty over his future emerged with no progress made on Real renewing his contract beyond the summer.

Ronaldo pens glowing tribute to Kroos

Ronaldo, who played alongside Kroos at Real Madrid, has written a glowing tribute to the Germany international.

In a comment shared under Kroos' announcement post on Instagram, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner noted that he was honoured to have shared the dressing room with the German international.

"(Thanks) for everything, Toni! What an honour to share the pitch with you. All the best for the future!" Ronaldo commented.

Kroos and Ronaldo played together at Real for four years between 2014 and 2018, when the latter left for Juventus.

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During the period, the duo won 11 major trophies together, including three Champions League trophies.

Ex-Barca star pays tribute to Kroos

In related news, Sports Brief also reported that former FC Barcelona and Argentina star Juan Roman Riquelme once paid a unique tribute to Toni Kroos.

After transitioning into football administration post-retirement, the former Argentina international compared Kroos' style to tennis legend Roger Federer.