Real Madrid and German midfielder Toni Kroos announced on Tuesday that he will be hanging up his boots and drawing a close to his illustrious football career after Euro 2024.

The 34-year-old announced his decision in a heartfelt message on his Instagram.

In the message shared by Kroos he insisted that Real Madrid would always be his 'last club' and with his contract expiring this summer, he will depart the club and from football all together.

The German coined by many as 'one of the greatest midfielders of all time' also shared in the same post that his 'ambition was always to finish (his) career at the peak of (his) performance level.'

The football word has been left shaken by the news, leaving fans worldwide left devastated over the news, with many taken to social media to voice their heartbreak. 

Toni Kroos announced on Tuesday he would be retiring from football after Euro 2024

One fan wrote on the social media platform X... 

'Toni Kroos hasn’t got the slightest idea of my existence but those words just ripped my heart in two. I’m a complete mess…'

A second commented: 'Despite the fact that it hurts, I am glad that people are recognising his greatness, our German sniper, Legend!'

A third said: 'Nooooo Toni, stay for one more season please'

A fourth posting: 'This is hurting like hell, wasn't prepared for his departure at all. Thank you for everything Toni Kroos'

Whilst a fifth voiced: 'Time to cry now I can’t believe he’s retiring'

Whilst others opted for more emotional tributes, others just shared their thoughts and highlighted some simple facts about the player.

With one fan saying it best: 'One of the best midfielders of his generation' 

Whilst another shared: 'The Greatest Midfielder to have ever played the beautiful game. This announcement today has caught every one of us who loves football and has watched Kroos play by surprise'

A third noted: 'Knew it coming after modric renewal' 

Many also applauding his ability to stick to his word, writing 'He said he wants to retire at the top level and he did it'

Another commenting, 'I like that he is retiring when the ovation is high.'

Kroos will play his final game for Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Wembley against German outfit Borussia Dortmund.

The midfielder maestro will then link up with Germany in the summer, as the 2014 World Cup winner will bid to have one more successful international campaign as Germany will host Euro 2024. 

Kroos' first game for Germany at Euro 2024 will be against Scotland on Friday, June 14 in the opening game of the tournament at the Allianz Arena.