"On the right track"- Real Madrid star confirms he's close to extending contract after Chelsea win

Toni Kroos has said that he's close to renewing his contract with Real Madrid after a dominant UEFA Champions League quarterfinal win against Chelsea.

Los Blancos beat the Blues 2-0 in the first leg. They mirrored that scoreline in West London on Tuesday (April 18) to book their place in the semifinals. Kroos started both games in central midfield and helped his team keep a clean sheet in both legs. After the win at Stamford Bridge, Kroos was asked to address the situation surrounding his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 33-year-old, whose deal with Real Madrid expires this summer, told Prime Video (h/t @MadridXtra on Twitter):

"My renewal? Everything is on the right track."

Luka Modric, 37, is another midfielder who could leave as a free agent this summer. Kroos, though, is four years younger than the Croatian and could still have a few more years left before hanging up his boots.

The 106-cap Germany international announced his retirement from international football in July 2021. Nevertheless, he has continued to be a important part of Carlo Ancelotti's midfield during the Italian's second stint at the club.

Since Ancelotti's arrival from Everton in the summer of 2021, Kroos has featured in 86 games across competitions.

---

Asmir Begovic gives verdict on Chelsea's season after Real Madrid loss

Former Blues player Asmir Begovic has said that this season has been a learning curve for everyone at Chelsea.

The Blues started the season with great hope under new owner Todd Boehly, and the optimism remained despite Graham Potter shockingly replacing Thomas Tuchel as the club's manager in September. Things only went downhill from there, though.

After the elimination from the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid, Chelsea are almost guaranteed to miss out on playing in the competition next season. Begovic, who played for the Blues from 2015 to 2017, said via BBC Radio 5 Live:

"If you're going to take any positives out of this year, it's been a huge learning curve for everyone. Seasons like this are not accepted by Chelsea fans. It's not the Chelsea we know. Certain expectations come with this club."

Frank Lampard was appointed the club's caretaker manager shortly after Potter's sacking on April 2. The West London giants are 11th in the league with 39 points from 31 games.