Toni Kroos, the German midfielder for Real Madrid in La Liga, has officially retired from professional football at the age of 34.

In a heartfelt letter to the fans of Real Madrid, he expressed gratitude for their unwavering support throughout his tenure, which began in 2014.

Additionally, Kroos affirmed that the 2024 Euros will signify his last appearance on the international stage.

He wrote: “As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. July 17th, 2014 – the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life. My life as a footballer – but especially as a person. It was the start of a new chapter at the biggest club in the world.

“After 10 years, at the end of the season, this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget that insolent successful time! I would particularly like to thank everyone who welcomed me with an open heart and trusted me.

“But especially I would like to thank you, dear Madridistas, for your affection and your love from the first day until the last one. At the same time, this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship.

“I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it on my own. My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level. From now on there is only one leading thought: a por la 15!!! HALA MADRID Y NADA MAS.”

During his 11 seasons at the club, Kroos secured five Champions League titles and netted a total of 28 goals.

Regarded as one of the premier midfielders in history, his reputation is built on his exceptional vision, passing prowess, creativity, precision in crossing, and proficiency in set-piece situations.

The 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six witnessed thrilling actions on Matchday 2, with Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels both securing their first victories of the tournament.

Both teams boosted their chances in the race for the domestic title this season with the wins on Monday.

In a related development, Confluence Queens bounced back from their Saturday’s opening-day humiliation at the hands of Edo Queens to claim a crucial win, adding more excitement to the competition.

Bayelsa Queens 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons

Hosts of the 2024 NWFL Premiership Super Six, Bayelsa Queens, recorded their first win of the tournament with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nasarawa Amazons at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Monday.

The Solid Babes had an early chance to take the lead when Odo Bibiana’s effort struck the crossbar in the seventh minute, much to the relief of Domo Okara’s side and the home fans.

After a goalless first half, the match appeared to be heading for a stalemate until a last-minute drama unfolded, which saw substitutes Mercy Omokwo and Mercy Itimi combined to break the deadlock in the 90th minute.

Itimi converted Omokwo’s long ball to secure the win.

This victory lifted Bayelsa Queens to four points from two games, positioning them well in the title race.

They will next face Confluence Queens on Wednesday, while Nasarawa Amazons will aim for their first win against Rivers Angels.

Edo Queens 1-2 Rivers Angels

Rivers Angels also claimed their first win of the playoff tournament with a 2-1 victory over Edo Queens in a South-South derby where all three goals were scored in the first half at the same venue.

Florence Alexander opened the scoring for the Jewels of Rivers in the 11th minute with a free kick that was surprisingly spilled by Edo Queens’ goalkeeper Ijeoma Uzoma.

The Ogbonda Whyte’s side doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Valentina Uroko inadvertently turned the ball into her net. Edo Queens responded quickly, reducing the deficit through Emem Essien, who dribbled past her marker before beating keeper Ademola Morufa.

Despite a disallowed goal from Deborah Odiagbe in the 59th minute and a similar fate for Sefiat Idris’ strike, Rivers Angels held on for the win.

This triumph moved them level on four points with Bayelsa Queens at the top of the log. Rivers Angels will next face Nasarawa Amazons, while Edo Queens aim to return to winning ways against winless Heartland Queens.

Heartland Queens 0-2 Confluence Queens

Confluence Queens returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over debutants Heartland Queens, bouncing back from their 5-1 defeat to Edo Queens in the tournament opener.

Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, returning from national team duty, provided a boost by keeping a clean sheet and restoring confidence in Confluence.

After a drab goalless first half, Merit Offor broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 76th minute, scoring her second goal of the tournament.

Ten minutes later, Offor was replaced by Feranmi Odutade, who made an immediate impact by heading in the second goal just a minute after her introduction.

This result saw Confluence Queens climb up the standings to fourth with three points and renew their hopes for the first ever title.

Oleksandr Usyky triumphed over Tyson Fury by split decision on Sunday, securing the title of the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years, a landmark in the sport’s four-belt era.

Initially, Fury, a Briton, dominated the fight, but Usyk steadily took control. The “Gypsy King” narrowly avoided a knockout in the ninth round before ultimately facing his first career defeat.

Usyk, an undefeated Ukrainian, now stands alongside legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson as an undisputed heavyweight champion, a title last unified under the current four-belt system established in the 2000s.

This win allows the former undisputed cruiserweight champion to stake his claim as the leading heavyweight of his era.

However, with a rematch expected in October, the rivalry may yet see another dramatic development.

Usyk, 37, who briefly served as a soldier following the Russian invasion said “It is a big opportunity for me, for my family, for my country. It’s a great time, a great day.” further expressing readiness for a rematch.

Fury called it a “fantastic fight with Oleksandr.”

He said “I believe I won that fight, I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them. You know his country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war but make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion and I will be back.”

Britain’s Lennox Lewis was the last man to unify the heavyweight belts—three at the time—after defeating Evander Holyfield in 1999.