Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has issued a statement on the end of his professional career.
"This is it. But before I take a break and try to at least realize what has happened in the last 17 years, I don't want to miss the opportunity to say thank you to everyone who accepts me for who I am.
Thank you to all my fans around the world for your unconditional support. Thank you to all my clubs and coaches for believing in me. Thank you to all my teammates for making me feel welcome at all times. Thank you to my friends for always being honest with me no matter how successful I became. Thank you to my agents for becoming my friends.
Thank you to my parents for being the best preparation for me to realize my dreams. Thank you to my brother for always being my number one fan. Thank you to my kids for being my biggest motivation to make me the best I can be - there's nothing better than seeing your kids being proud of dad. Thank you to my beautiful wife for being you. Don't ever change. This success would not have been possible without you. It's ours!
And last but not least, Thank you to soccer! It's a beautiful game. Over and out," Kroos wrote on his Instagram page.