Jude Bellingham tells Real Madrid team-mate Toni Kroos 'one year was not enough' as England international pens emotional tribute following retirement announcement

Kroos has announced he will call time on his phenomenal footballing career after this summer's Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. The midfielder will go down as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation after starring for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and the German national team during his career. Kroos has won league titles in Spain and Germany, the 2014 World Cup and lifted the European Cup on five separate occasions.

Bellingham joined Kroos at Real Madrid in the summer from Borussia Dortmund and has already collected silverware alongside his team-mate after Los Blancos were crowned La Liga champions. The England international has made it clear just how much he has enjoyed playing alongside the veteran at the Santiago Bernabeu in a touching post on social media.

Bellingham wrote on Instagram: "One year was not enough. Thank you for everything you have given to the game, it’s been an absolute pleasure to enjoy your football and personality as a fan and even more so as a teammate. Still some more work to do this season but wish you all the best for whatever is next for you and your family. LEGEND! 🐐8️⃣🤍"

Kroos has won the Champions League on five occasions - in the history of the European Cup/UCL, only Paco Gento (six times) has won it more often, with the German able to equal the record this year

Bellingham and Kroos have already won the league title with Real Madrid this season but will aim to lift the European Cup next when they face Borussia Dortmund in the final on June 1. The two midfielders will then head to Euro 2024 with Kroos set to feature for the tournament hosts before finally hanging up his boots.