Toni Kroos’ retirement from Germany’s national team is not a decision he regrets. After 106 international games, Kroos announced his retirement following the team’s elimination at the European Championship last summer. He will consequently miss the World Cup in Qatar.
Toni Kroos’ retirement is not a decision he regrets
In an interview with the Spanish programme Universo Valdano, the Real Madrid midfielder says, “When I see Germany in action, I will undoubtedly feel like I want to be on the pitch. I quit competing on an international level because I wanted to prioritise spending time with my family. Second, there are some players who merit extra playing time.”
Kroos wished to avoid a potentially unpleasant situation. I didn’t want a time to come when I would be informed that my time was up. I intend to continue competing at the top level. My club comes first,” he says.
Pep Guardiola, with whom Kroos worked at Bayern Munich before joining Real Madrid in 2014, is mentioned in the interview as well. “Guardiola fought for me to stay at Bayern until the last day,” Kroos recalls. “If I had to pick a coach that’s perfect for my playing style, it’s him. I really enjoyed the year we worked together. He made me a much better player.”
At Real Madrid, Kroos was welcomed by Florentino Pérez, the club’s president, with whom he also gets along well. According to Kroos, “He is the one who brought me in and who has embraced me from day one. I don’t recall ever getting into a fight. We have a great deal of mutual respect. He has always stood up for me and given me assurance. A player finally requires that.”
The German midfielder started the Champions League fixture against Celtic on Wednesday. He would play the entire duration of the fixture. He will expect to do the same in the upcoming two La Liga fixtures for real Madrid. Against Rayo Vallecano and Cadiz, before the league breaks for the World Cup.
