At a recent press conference, former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos took a moment to address fans of the club, explaining his reasons for his abrupt departure. The German star, who joined Real Madrid in 2014 and became a key figure in their midfield, opened up about two primary factors that influenced his decision to leave the club before the season’s end: a significant salary reduction and concerns over reduced playing time.

Kroos began by expressing his appreciation for the Madrid fans, saying he felt it was important for them to understand his reasoning. “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 connection he had built with the club and its supporters over his years in Madrid, which made the decision to leave an emotional one.

The first reason he cited was a cut in his salary, which he described as a significant factor. While he didn’t disclose specific numbers, it is clear that financial considerations were part of the equation. Such pay cuts are not uncommon for aging players, as clubs seek to manage budgets while focusing on younger talent. However, for Kroos, it seemed like an indication that the club’s priorities might be shifting away from him.

Kroos’ second major reason for leaving was his concern about a likely reduction in his playing time. As he approached the later years of his career, it became evident that he would not be guaranteed as much time on the pitch as he had previously enjoyed. This, Kroos explained, was a difficult pill to swallow, as he felt he still had the ability and the desire to contribute at a high level. His love for the game and his pride in his own abilities meant he was unwilling to sit on the sidelines.

Kroos’ comments reflect a common challenge for veteran players at elite clubs, where maintaining a starting position becomes increasingly competitive as younger players emerge. For Kroos, it was clear that a combination of financial and professional considerations led him to make this tough choice, prioritizing both his self-worth and his desire to continue playing meaningful minutes.

By being open about his reasons, Kroos has shed light on some of the difficult decisions top players face as they navigate the latter stages of their careers. His departure marks the end of an era for Real Madrid fans, who witnessed Kroos lift multiple La Liga and Champions League trophies during his time at the club.