Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos announced on Tuesday that he will retire from football at the end of this summer's European Championships at the age of 34.

Toni Kroos (L) of Real Madrid vies with Alvaro Djalo of Braga during the UEFA Champions League Group C match between Real Madrid and SC Braga in Madrid, Spain, Nov. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

The news was confirmed on Real Madrid's website after Kroos decided against signing a contract extension at the club, for whom he has made 463 appearances since joining from Bayern Munich in 2014.

"My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level," said Kroos on social media, explaining that he was "happy and proud that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it on my own."

"I have always said Real Madrid is and will be my last club. After 10 years, at the end of season, this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget this successful time," added Kroos.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez praised the man who has won four La Liga titles, four Champions League titles, the Copa del Rey and four Spanish Super Cups.

"Toni Kroos is one of the great players in the history of Real Madrid and this club is and will always be his home," said Perez.

Kroos' last game with Real Madrid will be the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1, before he joins up with Germany's national team ahead of Euro 2024.

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