Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has called departing midfielder Toni Kroos “one of the greatest” and said there is no player available to bring in with his “characteristics”.
Germany international Kroos announced this week that he will retire from football after Uefa Euro 2024, ending a 10-year spell at Madrid which has included four titles each in the Champions League and Liga.
“The Bernabeu gave Toni Kroos the farewell he deserved,” Ancelotti said after the Spanish champions ended their domestic season with a 0-0 draw at home to Real Betis.
“He was one of the greatest, that’s obvious: a great midfielder of great quality with a fantastic character – very altruistic, very humble, and he has always played for the team. A very generous player.”
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Ancelotti suggested Kroos’ abilities, which include switching play, finding space and incisive ball progression, are irreplaceable in one player.
“There is no player with these characteristics on the transfer market,” said the six-time European champion.
“We will have to replace him in a different way. We have midfielders with a lot of different qualities.
“We will have to adapt our game next season to these different characteristics, compared to those that Toni Kroos possesses.”
💬 @ToniKroos: “It’s been an unforgettable 10 years.” pic.twitter.com/RMO0I0O403
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 25, 2024
Toni Kroos stats
Kroos has featured in all but one of Madrid’s games on their way to the Champions League final, providing his first assist in their European campaign during their 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich in the first leg of their semi-final.
The 34-year-old has also played in 33 of 38 league games, directly contributing to nine goals as Madrid surged clear of Barcelona.
The closing match of his Madrid career will come against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
“It was a great evening – very moving for him and for everyone,” Ancelotti said of the draw against Betis. “We have the chance to live one more week with him.”
