Kroos focused on Real Madrid as he announces retirement from Germany
Stefan Bienkowski
- 2 Jul 2021 13:29 BST
- 5 min read
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has confirmed his retirement from international football following Germany’s elimination from Euro 2020.
Kroos featured for Germany on 106 occasions, scoring 17 goals and 19 assists along the way.
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In that period the former Bayern Munich midfielder hit the very highest heights with the German national team, winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Now, at 31 years of age, Kroos has decided to hang up his international boots so he can take a well-deserved rest and focus on his responsibilities for Real Madrid.
“I have played 106 times for Germany. There won't be another one,” said the Madrid star on his Instagram account.
“I would have loved, and gave it my all once again, that in the end there would have been 109 international matches and that this one big title, the European Championship title, would have come at the end.
“I had already made the decision to retire after this tournament. It had been clear to me for some time that I would not be available for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
’I want to concentrate on my goals with Real Madrid’
“Above all, because I want to concentrate fully on my goals with Real Madrid for the next few years. From now on, I will consciously allow myself breaks that I haven't had as an international player for eleven years.
“And I also want to be more of a husband and father to my wife and three children. It was a great honour for me to wear this jersey for such a long time. I did it with pride and passion.
“Thank you to all the fans and supporters who have carried and supported me with their applause and cheers. And thanks to all the critics for their extra motivation.
“Finally, I would like to thank Jogi Löw most of all. 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 honour, take care - and good luck and success to Hansi Flick.”
