Germany World Cup winner ready to make shock retirement U-turn to play at Euro 2024 homecoming

3 months ago 29

TONI KROOS could come out of international retirement to play at Euro2024.

The Real Madrid midfielder, who quit playing for Germany after Euro2020 three years ago, has been in talks with new national boss Julian Nagelsmann.

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Toni Kroos starred for Germany at the 2014 World Cup[/caption]
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The midfielder is starring for Real Madrid aged 34[/caption]

He has won 106 caps for Germany and was a key figure in the side that won the World Cup in 2014.

Kroos, 34, quit to spend more time with his family but potentially, could return this summer but will have to make a decision before the March friendlies with France and Holland.

He shares the same agent as Nagelsmann and the pair have been in constant contact since December.

Germany face Scotland in the Euro2024 opener in Munich on June 14.

Kroos, whose Real contract expires in June, has been a key player alongside Jude Bellingham in Madrid this season.

The veteran midfielder has made 29 club appearances, scoring one goal and adding seven assists.

SunSport reported in October that Kroos could look to finish his career in the Premier League.

Should he leave Real Madrid, the experienced star will expect to keep playing in the Champions League.

At the time it was expected that his representatives will sound out Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and both Manchester clubs.

One destination Kroos is unlikely to end up is Saudi Arabia.

He has been outspoken in his criticism of stars taking a pay day to move to the Saudi Pro League.

Kroos told Sports Illustrated that players were just moving to the Kingdom for money, saying: “It’s been said that they play ambitious football there, but it’s all about the money. In the end, it’s a decision for the money and against football.

“That’s when it starts to become difficult for the football we all know and love.

“Everyone has to make that decision for themselves, like Cristiano Ronaldo, who decided to do it towards the end of his career.

“But it becomes very difficult when players, who are in the middle of their career and have the quality to play for the best clubs in Europe, decide to make those changes.”

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