Kroos sets retirement date

Toni Kroos is planning to retire as a Real Madrid player. The German, who didn't enjoy his best season last year, renewed his contract until 2023. Despite reports suggesting he may move on this summer, the midfielder never had any doubts about his future.

He also seems to be pretty clear about his retirement, which he has suggested could come about when he finishes his Real Madrid contract. "33 would be a good age to retire", he told 'Bild' in an interview regarding a new film about his life.

"The duration of the contract was consciously chosen, at 33 it would be a good age to retire, but then I will have the opportunity to choose if I do not want to do something after that." said Kroos, who will be a key man again for Zidane in 2019-20.

What he did categorically deny was the possibility of moving far away and retiring in an exotic location when he finishes at Madrid: "You can discard this. I will never play in the United States, China or Qatar."

Finally, the Germany international spoke about Joachim Low's decision to stop calling up players who were key in Germany's past success, like Jerome Boateng, Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels:  "It's a shame, but time in football is limited."