Kroos represented Germany in 106 matches, scoring 17 goals and recording 19 assists.
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German midfielder Toni Kroos has announced his retirement from international football, a few days after the national team was knocked out of Euro 2020. Kroos represented Germany in 106 matches, scoring 17 goals and recording 19 assists. He was further a part of the team that won the 2014 edition of World Cup, defeating Argentina in the final. Kroos announced his decision on social media platforms Twitter and Instagram, in the form of a long written statement.
“I’ve played for Germany 106 times. There won’t be another time. I would have dearly wished, and I given everything again, that there would have been 109 international matches in the end and that this one big title, the European Championship, would have been added at the end. I had made the decision to quit after this tournament for a long time. It had been clear to me for a long time that I would not be available for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Mainly because I want to focus fully on my goals with Real Madrid for the next few years. In addition, from now on I will deliberately allow myself breaks that have not existed as a national player for eleven years,” he said.
“And moreover, as a husband and dad, I would also like to be there for my wife and my three children. It was a great honor for me to be able to wear this jersey for such a long time. I did it with pride and passion. Thanks to all fans and supporters who carried and supported me with their applause and cheers. And thanks to all the critics for their extra motivation. At the very end I would like to say thank you very much to Jogi Low. He made me a national player and world champion. He trusted me. We have written a success story for a long time. It was an honor for me, doing it well and good luck and success to Hansi Flick. Your Toni,” added Kroos.
The 31-year-old stated that the new Germany coach Hansi Flick had expressed a desire to work with the player, after the conclusion of Euro 2020.
“I’ve already cleared everything up with Hansi because I want him to be able to plan (without me). We were already in contact before the Euros and he said he would like to work with me after the tournament. Anyone who knows me knows that I never make decisions out of emotions. I’ve always done that well in my career. I’ve been considering it for a long time, the decision itself was already made before the tournament, regardless of the outcome. I’ve already thought about retirement in 2018,” he said in an interview with BILD.
“At that time, my son Leon, who wanted to see me continue to play for Germany, and Jogi Low in particular convinced me to continue. The coach had to call more than once. I didn’t have the ideas 100% clear back then. The difference to then is: In 2018 I was 28, now I’m 31. Although I have to say: For me, the decision to retire is not a question of age. Not today either. Rather, it’s a matter of feeling. And today it feels right. International match trips take up many weeks of travel and absences each year. I don’t want to see my wife and kids all the time via video calls, I want to be with them more. In addition, I would like to play at the absolute top level at Real Madrid for a few more years,” added Kroos.
