Jump directly to the content
Kroos-ing to finish

Toni Kroos set to snub Manchester City after admitting he is likely to finish career at Real Madrid when deal expires

Germany international's contract at the Bernabeu expires in 2022 and reveals he could retire when it runs out

epa05583611 Real Madrid's German midfielder Toni Kroos arrives for a press conference to announce the extension of his contract with the Spanish Primera Division soccer club in Madrid, Spain, 13 October 2016. Real Madrid reached an agreement with Kroos to extend his contract until 30 June 2022. EPA/MARISCAL

TONI KROOS has hinted he may finish his career at Real Madrid, despite interest from Manchester United and City.

Since singing from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2014, he has established himself as one of the best around.

epa05583611 Real Madrid's German midfielder Toni Kroos arrives for a press conference to announce the extension of his contract with the Spanish Primera Division soccer club in Madrid, Spain, 13 October 2016. Real Madrid reached an agreement with Kroos to extend his contract until 30 June 2022. EPA/MARISCAL
6
Toni Kroos reveals he is likely to see out of the rest of his career at Real MadridCredit: EPA

And the German midfielder rejected interest from United and City to sign a new contract at the Bernabeu until 2022 — and admits he may not carry on after it expires.

Keep up to date with ALL the Real Madrid news, gossip and transfers on our club page

Speaking to , he said: “At 32, you are past your prime.

MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 27: Toni Kroos of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring Real's 2nd goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and RC Celta de Vigo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 27, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
6
Toni Kroos has established himself as one of the best midfielder around in MadridCredit: Getty Images

"I will be 32 by the time my contract ends, and that's certainly a point where I won't have a long way to go as a player, or at least that's the plan right now.

"Sure, I don't know how I'll feel then, but there is no plan that includes playing football at 38 or 39.

"If I were to predict it today, it's more likely that I'll call it a day. But I can't give an exact prognosis yet."

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Toni Kroos of Germany celebrates with his medal after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images)
6
Toni Kroos shows off his World Cup medal after victory in Brazil in 2014Credit: Getty Images

Related Stories

Dazn unveil brilliant Club World Cup promo video with boxing legend drafted in
Daz-zling

Dazn unveil brilliant Club World Cup promo video with boxing legend drafted in

Every leaked Prem kit for next season including throwback Liverpool shirt
STRIP TEASE

Every leaked Prem kit for next season including throwback Liverpool shirt

Tijjani Reijnders is £46m Man City signing who worked in ALDI
TRANSFER SUPERMARKET

Tijjani Reijnders is £46m Man City signing who worked in ALDI

Premier League side risk ruining pitch as stars race Red Bull F1 car
PENALTY BOX, BOX

Premier League side risk ruining pitch as stars race Red Bull F1 car

Real Madrid's German midfielder Toni Kroos (L) vies with Sporting's midfielder William Carvalho during the UEFA Champions League football match Real Madrid CF vs Sporting CP at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 14, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / GERARD JULIENGERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images
6
Toni Kroos in action against Manchester City in Champions League clashCredit: Getty Images

Kroos looked at compatriots, Philipp Lahm, 33, and Bastian Schweinsteiger, 33, as examples of players who are nearing the end of their careers.

He added: "I think at 32 you are past your prime as a footballer.

"There are differences. Bastian Schweinsteiger is struggling with injuries more often than Philipp Lahm.

“I think it's important to have an idea and try to stay fit for as long as possible. But I'd say it's a good age to retire.

“But I won't necessarily be held to my words in six years."

Real Madrid's German midfielder Toni Kroos (R) vies with Real Sociedad's defender Joseba Zaldua (L) during the Spanish league football match Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid CF at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / ANDER GILLENEAANDER GILLENEA/AFP/Getty Images
6
Toni Kroos is an important member of Real Madrid's midfield under Zinedine ZidaneCredit: Getty Images
FILE - In this May 28, 2016 file photo, Real Madrid's Toni Kroos celebrates with the trophy after the Champions League final soccer match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy. Real Madrid said on Thursday Oct. 13, 2016 that it has extended the contract of Germany midfielder Toni Kroos until June 2022. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)
6
Toni Kroos holds aloft Champions League trophy won with Real Madrid last yearCredit: AP:Associated Press

Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip ahead of the January window with SunSport's daily LIVE blog

Kroos — at 26 — has won the Bundesliga three times, the German Cup three times, the Champions League twice, the Uefa Super Cup twice, the Fifa Club World Cup twice and a World Cup with Germany.

He is on course to win his first La Liga title with Real Madrid six points clear of second-place, Barcelona.

Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU