Three Man United stars send messages to Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos after announcing retirement

Three Manchester United players have sent messages to Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos after announcing his retirement this week.

Kroos, 34, confirmed that he will be hanging up the boots following the Champions League final and his Euro 2024 campaign with Germany.

The midfield legend has been at Real Madrid since 2014, when he signed from Bayern Munich. United were close to signing him beforehand but let the transfer slip between their fingers.

After winning five Champions League titles – and having the chance to end his career by securing a sixth – Kroos has received messages from all around the footballing world after his announcement.

That included several United stars, with Casemiro and Raphaël Varane expectedly among them. Varane commented on Kroos’ Instagram post, “What a Legend!”

Meanwhile, Casemiro posted on his own Instagram page in response to the news. The Brazilian formed part of one of the best midfield trios in history alongside Kroos and Luka Modric at Madrid.

“Toni. Partner of Champions and friend forever. You’ve known when to say goodbye, so look back proudly and smile: you’ve earned it,” wrote Casemiro.

“There is only one Kroos, the one we have all enjoyed (Luka and I especially), but the one in the photo is Toni, my Toni. How many anecdotes, victories and titles have been forged in that gym? It was our office and when it had to get serious, we did it; and when it was time to have fun, then too. You’re the perfect player, but I’ll take the person.

“Not long, good friend. It’s been a pleasure being by your side. Be happy.”

Finally, club captain Bruno Fernandes sent his own message to Kroos. While the Portuguese midfielder never played alongside the 34-year-old, he was grateful to watch him play over the last decade and a half.

“One of the best in this generation! What a pleasure it was seeing you playing all these years,” wrote Bruno on his Instagram story.