Real Madrid Teammate Urges Toni Kroos to Reevaluate Retirement Choice

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Toni Kroos, who amassed 106 appearances for Germany from 2010 to 2021 and clinched the 2014 World Cup before joining Real Madrid, retired from the national team at the age of 31 following Euro 2020.

The midfielder cited a desire to focus on his club career and spend more time with his family.

Despite his decision, Kroos remains missed by his international peers. Antonio Rudiger expressed his longing for Kroos’s return, stating, “I ask him [to make himself available for Germany selection] every day.

A player like him, who is still at such a high level, really has to be there. When Toni plays, with his heart rate of 20 and a game from another planet, everything is great.

I would very much like him to play in the national team. But that is his decision.”

Approaching his 34th birthday next month, Kroos continues to play a pivotal role for Madrid. In the current La Liga season, he has featured in all 16 games, starting ten, despite the emergence of a new generation of players groomed to succeed him and his longtime partner, Luka Modric.

As Germany prepares for Euro 2024 on home soil, set to take place at the end of the club season, they aim to leverage their host advantage to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 World Cup.

Once considered perennial semi-finalists and regular finalists at major tournaments, Germany has experienced a significant decline in recent years.

Following a shocking group stage exit at the 2018 World Cup, a similar outcome occurred in Qatar last year. The team’s response has raised concerns, with only three wins in the 11 games played in 2023, coupled with six losses.

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