Ancelotti Encourages Kroos To Reconsider Retirement After Champions League Victory
Toni Kroos is poised to depart Real Madrid as a six-time Champions League winner, yet Carlo Ancelotti hopes the midfielder will reconsider his retirement decision. The German player seemingly concluded his club career with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in Saturday's final.
Kroos provided a perfect corner-kick assist for Dani Carvajal's 74th-minute opener at Wembley Stadium, with Vinicius Junior securing Madrid's 15th UEFA Champions League title. At 34, Kroos will join Germany for Euro 2024 before ending his illustrious career, though Ancelotti remains hopeful for a change of heart.
"I'm really grateful to Kroos," Ancelotti said. "He finished at the very top; there is no way to finish higher than this. He had the boldness to end it [his career], and he is a legend at this club. All the fans appreciate his attitude and professionalism. I've told him we are waiting for him to change his mind."
It marked the sixth winning campaign in the Champions League for Kroos, Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal, and Nacho. Only Paco Gento has matched this record among players in history. This success is expected to be bolstered by Kylian Mbappe's anticipated arrival, following his announcement to leave Paris Saint-Germain.
Ancelotti stated that Real Madrid would look to new signings and current players to address Kroos' departure. "We have lost an important player, but we have players who can replace him and will adapt and play slightly differently," Ancelotti said. "We have fantastic players and the resources to remain competitive."
Kroos' Germany will face Ukraine and Greece in warm-up matches before starting their Euro 2024 campaign against Scotland on June 14.
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