Real Madrid legend is more likely to retire than extend his contract

Real Madrid is a club that has always been up to speed, if not harsh, with its contract extension policies, particularly for senior players over 30 who are only granted a year’s extension if they merit it in the first place.

This programme has provided Los Blancos with adequate security and stability at a low cost. Even after passing the age criterion, just a few players have had the opportunity to earn the club’s faith year after year. Others of this type include Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.

While Modric and Benzema, despite their age, are very expected to have renewed, there is another icon whose contract expires in 2023 and whose stance on extending for another year is rather uncertain and up in the air with less confidence.

Toni Kroos might very well decide to call it a day at the end of the season. Something that not many would have expected even some weeks earlier.

Real Madrid icon could decide to retire rather than accept a contract extension

As reported by Relevo, Kroos has a renewal offer on the table, but at the club there is a feeling that his decision is now closer to withdrawal than to continue.

The German midfielder is said to be interested in hanging up his boots at the pinnacle of his career rather than play till his performance drops in value. This comes after Kroos was rumoured to have turned down a renewal offer earlier this summer because he wanted to wait another season to assess the situation and have a clear picture of his position in the coming years before deciding whether or not to renew.

Kroos is believed to be adamant that he should not be a stumbling block in the path of Real Madrid’s next generation of players, but rather should prepare the way for them to take up the mantle he leaves and continue the legacy.

The 32-year-old has been a part of some of Real Madrid’s most famous moments and has been instrumental in the club’s success in Europe over the previous decade. Kroos’ standards are extraordinary, and the bar has been set so high that even a great performance looks to be routine for him.

His departure will leave a huge void, which will be felt only after he has left. With Casemiro’s departure a few months ago and Kroos’ rumoured retirement at the conclusion of this season, the famed KCM trio will be at its end left with just Modric.

Of course, nothing is set in stone yet and there is still the possibility that Kroos could end up signing an extension with Los Blancos. His current deal runs out next summer.