Real Madrid aim to extend veteran star’s contract until 2025, Ancelotti wants him to postpone retirement
Even though early signs this season suggested that Toni Kroos might have a reduced role at Real Madrid, the midfield veteran has stood out and made himself an invaluable asset for the team, as has been the case for nearly a decade.
Even though early signs this season suggested that Toni Kroos might have a reduced role at Real Madrid, the midfield veteran has stood out and made himself an invaluable asset for the team, as has been the case for nearly a decade.
The German midfield icon, who will be turning 34 next month, had signed only a one-year contract renewal with the Merengues last season, meaning his deal expires in the summer of 2024.
There has been talk of Kroos calling time on his career once his current contract runs out, meaning this could very well be his final season in football.
But, according to a report from AS, Real Madrid are aiming to extend Kroos’ contract by another year until the summer of 2025.
Kroos began the current season assuming that it could be his last active season, especially if his role in Carlo Ancelotti’s project started to become residual.
And while it is true that the German started the season on the bench, he has once again become a fundamental part of Ancelotti’s plans, helping the team out in a big way especially when injuries have been plaguing the squad.
Kroos has featured in 21 of Real Madrid’s 23 matches, scoring a goal and assisting five more.
The report states that Ancelotti has already told Kroos on several occasions to postpone his retirement for at least another year and to continue at Real Madrid. His teammates encourage him in the same vein after being amazed by his quality.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and the fans would be happy to see the German icon continue at the club until 2025, but neither the player nor the club are in a hurry to decide his future.
But Kroos’ good relationship with the Real Madrid board will be key in the outcome, as it was last summer.
During a chat on his podcast with his brother Felix, Kroos admitted that he is still enjoying playing at this level, which could be a hint at his continuation.
"I always said it was key for me to finish at a high level and not to drag on for three more years. I feel the same desire as I did 15 years ago to win these games (European play-offs) and these titles (Champions League, La Liga…). I’m not tired at all," he said.
"It still gets on my nerves when we lose games. That’s also important, that the feeling is still there. And I still enjoy football, that’s what I like…."
As mentioned earlier, there is nothing set in stone and no party is in a hurry to make a decision. But Real Madrid and Ancelotti wish for him to postpone his retirement and stay at the club until 2025.