Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has written an emotional tribute to Toni Kroos, who announced his retirement after Euro 2024.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Kroos has announced that he will end his phenomenal football career after this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. The midfielder will be remembered as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, having played for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and the German national team. Kroos has won Spanish and German league titles, the 2014 World Cup, and the European Cup five times.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Bellingham joined Kroos at Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer and has already won silverware alongside his teammate as Los Blancos were crowned La Liga champions. In a heartfelt social media post, the England international expressed how much he enjoys playing alongside the veteran at the Santiago Bernabeu.

WHAT BELLINGHAM SAID

Bellingham wrote on Instagram, “One year wasn’t enough. Thank you for everything you’ve contributed to the game; it’s been an absolute pleasure to watch your football and personality as a fan and, more importantly, as a teammate. There is still work to be done this season, but best wishes for you and your family in whatever comes next. LEGEND!

DID YOU KNOW?

Kroos has won the Champions League on five occasions – in the history of the European Cup/UCL, only Paco Gento (six times) has won it more often, with the German able to equal the record this year

WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM & KROOS

Bellingham and Kroos have already won the league title with Real Madrid this season, but they will look to lift the European Cup next, when they face Borussia Dortmund in the final on June 1. The two midfielders will then travel to Euro 2024, with Kroos set to play for the tournament hosts before hanging up his boots.