Toni Kroos has announced his retirement after 10 years at Real Madrid but the midfielder almost signed for Manchester United instead.
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Article continues below
Article continues below
- Kroos to retire after Euro 2024
- Midfielder has enjoyed stellar career
- Almost joined Man Utd before Madrid move
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WHAT HAPPENED
Legendary Real Madrid midfielder Kroos has announced he'll hang up his boots after this summer's Euro 2024 tournament with Germany. The 32-year-old will bring down the curtain on an incredible career that has seen him win league titles and lift the European Cup with both Real Madrid and Bayern. Yet it could have all been so different. Kroos moved to Real Madrid in 2014 after coming dangerously close to joining Manchester United. He told back in 2020 that a contract with the Red Devils had "basically been done" but the move fell through after Moyes was sacked and Louis van Gaal arrived at Old Trafford. Kroos started having doubts after not hearing from United "for a while" and then made the switch to Madrid after a call from Carlo Ancelotti.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Manchester United will have been left wondering what might have been after seeing Kroos go on to win four league titles, the Copa del Rey and four Champions League crowns with Los Blancos. In contrast the Red Devils have struggled over the last decade, managing a meagre return of just one FA Cup, two League Cups and a Europa League triumph.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Since his first season with the club in 2014/15, Kroos has made the most appearances (463), provided the most assists (92), completed the most passes (31,769) and created the most chances (967) of any Real Madrid player in all competitions.
- Getty Images
WHAT NEXT FOR KROOS?
The Real Madrid superstar can still add to his trophy collection before he finally calls it a day. Kroos has the chance to win the Champions League for the sixth time in his career when his side take on Borussia Dortmund in the final on June 1. The midfielder will then aim to win Euro 2024 with Germany on home soil.
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