Kroos will retire at Real Madrid and admits he could hang up boots for good in just two years

Toni Kroos has revealed his plans to end his illustrious playing career at LaLiga giants, Real Madrid. 

Kroos announced his retirement from international football following Germany’s Euro 2020 elimination to England on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old – who played every minute at the Euros – is said to be stepping back from international football to prolong his domestic career, which he wants to end in Spain. 

Kroos is eager to win more trophies with Los Blancos before hanging up his boots. He said: ‘I believe that the year 2023 is appropriate [to retire], I will be 33 years old.

‘I will decide whether I will renew for a season or two, that is still open for discussion, but I am completely sure that I will retire at Real Madrid.’

Kroos has decided that after 106 caps won for his country he is finished with international football and will play no part going forward for Hansi Flick’s side. 

He said: ‘I’ve played for Germany 106 times. There won’t be another time,’ Kroos said in a statement posted on social media.

  Kroos has confirmed that he is retiring from the Germany national team immediately

The midfielder posted a statement on social media on Friday in which he confirmed the choice

‘I would have dearly wished, and I gave everything again, that there would have been 109 internationals 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.

‘And moreover, as a husband and dad, I would also like to be there for my wife and three children.

Kroos played every minute of Euro 2020 for Germany but it was ended by England at Wembley

Kroos was part of the triumphant side in 2014 that won the World Cup against Argentina 

‘It was a great honour for me to be able to wear this jersey for such a long period of 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.’ 

Kroos made his debut for Germany back in 2010 and eyebrows have been raised at his decision given he is just 31 and has many years left at club level.

With the World Cup in Qatar next year – due to the Euros being delayed 12 months due to the Covid pandemic – many expected players to stick around for another run at an international trophy.

He was reduced to tears after winning football’s biggest prize against Argentina back in 2014

But Kroos, who won the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, wants more time with his family and also to give himself the best chance of extending his club career. 

In addition, Kroos says he feels more appreciation by the Bernabeu fans than that of the German national team.    

He said: ‘I don’t want to accuse everyone in Germany because there are many fans that appreciate me but at times I had the feeling that some didn’t appreciate what I did over my 11 years there.

‘It’s different in Spain, everyone has been grateful to me since my first match seven years ago.