OFFICIAL: Kroos retires from international football

Toni Kroos' career with the German national team has come to an end. The Real Madrid midfielder, whose last match for his nation was a 2-0 defeat to England at Wembley in the last 16, confirmed via his social media that he would put on the Germany jersey again. Instead, he wants to focus on his club and his family.

Kroos' statement read as follows: "I have played 106 games for Germany. There won't be another one. I was hoping that I could end up with 109 caps and one more major title, the European Championship, and gave my all to try and make that happen.

"I had long decided that this tournament would be my last. I have known for a while that I won't be putting myself forward for Qatar 2022, mostly because I want to be fully focused on my goals with Real Madrid in the coming years. I also want to be able to afford myself some down time that I haven't been able to have in eleven years as a Germany international. On top of that, I want to be around more for my wife and three children as a husband and as a father.

"It has been a huge honour to have been able to wear this shirt for such a long time. I always did it with pride and passion. Thank you to all the fans and supporters that helped carry me with their applause and cheering, but also to all those critics who gave me extra motivation. Finally, I want to sincerely thank Jogi Löw. He made me a Germany international and a World Cup winner. He put his faith in me, and we have written a long success story together.

"It's been a blash. Wishing you all the best - and lots of luck to Hansi Flick".

A legendary career

Toni Kroos leaves Germany with 'just' a World Cup to his name, but the esteemed trophy is more than enough to go alongside a legendary career. There are few around that boast his vision on the ball, that can spray such precise passes, making him a stalward in almost every Germany side that have always been littered with world stars.

In total, he played 106 matches for his national team, 90 of which came as a starter. In his 8,200 minutes on the field, he accumulated a total of 17 goals and 16 assists, as well as seven yellow cards. An impressive tally to go alongside a true legend of 'Die Mannschaft'.

 

July 2, 2021