While Real Madrid are reportedly devastated by Toni Kroos' decision to retire from football, one of his teammates is said to be desperate to take the German's shirt number.
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Earlier this week, the 34-year-old announced he would be hanging up his boots after the upcoming 2024 UEFA European Championship, news that surprised his colleagues and coaches at Los Blancos.
Kroos, whose deal was set to expire at the end of June, informed the club of his decision on Monday, before breaking the news himself a day later.
The German will play his last game for Real when they take on Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in England on 1 June.
Tributes from his teammates and even some opponents have poured in for Kroos in recent days, including from Los Blancos midfielder Federico Valverde.
According to AS, Kroos responded by suggesting a conversation needs to be had about his No. 8 jersey, a number Valverde, a Uruguay international, is reportedly desperate to inherit.
"You have absolutely everything to be the captain of this team in the future. I'm always going to be by your side, and tomorrow we'll talk about another topic… #8," Kroos wrote in reply.
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The 25-year-old has made 256 appearances for the 14-time European champions since his debut, and is said to dream of wearing the No. 8 shirt at the club.
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