At a recent press conference, former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos took the opportunity to address the club’s supporters, explaining his reasons for his sudden departure. The German international, who joined Real Madrid in 2014 and became a key figure in their midfield, revealed that two main factors influenced his decision to leave before the season’s conclusion: a significant salary reduction and concerns about reduced playing time.

Kroos began by expressing his gratitude to the Madrid fans, explaining that it was important for them to understand his decision. “This is now the right time to address Madrid fans because I feel they deserve to know why I left the club,” Kroos stated. He acknowledged the strong bond he had formed with the club and its supporters, making his departure an emotional decision.

The first reason he cited was a salary cut, which he noted played a significant role in his departure. While he did not reveal specific figures, it was clear that financial factors played a part. Salary reductions are not unusual for veteran players as clubs manage budgets and shift focus to younger talent. For Kroos, however, it seemed to signal a change in the club’s priorities, one that was moving away from him.

Kroos’ second major reason for leaving was the concern over a likely decrease in his playing time. As he entered the latter stages of his career, it became apparent that he would not be guaranteed the same minutes on the pitch that he had once enjoyed. This was a difficult realization for Kroos, as he believed he still had the ability and desire to perform at a high level. His passion for the game and confidence in his skills made it hard for him to accept being relegated to a lesser role.

Kroos’ comments highlight a common challenge faced by veteran players at top clubs, where competition for starting positions intensifies as younger players emerge. For Kroos, a combination of financial and professional factors led him to make the difficult decision to leave, prioritizing both his sense of self-worth and his desire to continue contributing on the field.

By openly sharing his reasons, Kroos has provided insight into the tough choices elite players must make as they approach the end of their careers. His departure marks the end of an era for Real Madrid fans, who saw Kroos lift numerous La Liga and Champions League titles during his time at the club.