Kroos speaks on retirement, Real Madrid contract

 

Admin I Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024

 

BERLIN – Toni Kroos has not made up his mind whether he will come out of international retirement to play for Germany at the home Euros in summer and whether he will renew his Real Madrid contract beyond the season.

Real team-mate Antonio Rüdiger has suggested on several occasions that Kroos could help the ailing national team because the 34-year-old midfielder continues to play at the highest level.

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Kroos helped Germany win the World Cup in 2014 and retired from the team with 106 caps after the last Euros in 2021.

Rüdiger’s suggestion has sparked a debate in Germany whether Kroos should return.

Kroos remained vague, just as about his future at Real where he has been playing for a decade and won every title on offer, led by four Champions Leagues.

“I don’t know yet, to be honest, I’m still thinking about it, I haven’t made a decision yet. The truth is that I’m satisfied, I’m happy. And if a lot of people want me to keep playing, then it’s a positive signal,” Kroos said ahead of Real’s Champions League last 16 match at RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

“As far as the national team is concerned, it’s the same, I’m thinking about it, there’s a possibility.”

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said he would not give Kroos special advice because a decision would have to come from the player himself.

“Of course it is important with the Euros in his home country, it could work well. But he has the right to make this decision himself,” Ancelotti said.

Ancelotti praised Kroos’ longevity, saying: “He’s always the best. He already had that passing accuracy ten years ago at Bayern [Munich.

“What sets him apart now is that he plays in a team that plays with enormous energy, so his strengths come into their own even more. He simply feels good with the young players,” Ancelotti said.