Toni Kroos announces international retirement
Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has confirmed he is retiring from international football.
| Toni Kroos. | Photo: Steindy, Wikimedia Commons |
"I have played for Germany 106 times. I won't do so again. I would have loved, and I gave everything for that to happen, to end up with 109 caps and the European Championship trophy. It had been clear to me for some time that I wouldn't be available for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Above all, I want to concentrate fully on my goals with Real Madrid over the next few years," stated the 31-year-old midfielder and added:
"From now on, I'll be consciously allowing myself breaks that I haven't had as a German international for the last 11 years. And I also want to be more of a husband to my wife and more of a dad to my three children. It was a great honor for me to wear this jersey for such a long period of time. I did it with pride and passion.
"Thanks to all the fans and supporters, who carried and supported me with their applause and chants. And thanks to all the critics for their extra motivation. At the very end, I would like to thank 'Jogi Löw' most of all. He made me a German international and world champion. He trusted me. We have written a success story for a long time. It was an honor, take care - and good luck and success to Hansi Flick."
Kroos made his international debut in 2010 and went to feature 106 times for Germany, racking up 17 goals and 19 assists. He won the World Cup with Germany in 2014.