July 02, (THEWILL) – One of Germany’s class of world cup winning players, Toni Kroos, took to Instagram to formally declare his retirement from international football engagements.
This comes after former World Cup champions Germany unceremoniously crashed out of the ongoing continental competition, the Euro 2022. THEWILL recalls that after Germany finished second best, behind France in Group F, they met old rivals England in the round of 16 earlier this week and lost 2-0.
There were speculations that along with team coach Joachim Löw, Kroos was one of those mulling a decision to leave Die Mannschaft. The player confirmed the stories with his post that read: “I have played for Germany 106 times. I won’t do so again. I would have loved, and I gave everything for that to happen, to end up with 109 caps and the European Championship trophy.
“It had been clear to me for some time that I wouldn’t be available for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Above all, I want to concentrate fully on my goals with Real Madrid over the next few years.
“From now on, I’ll be consciously allowing myself breaks that I haven’t had as a German international for the last 11 years. And I also want to be more of a husband to my wife and more of a dad to my three children. It was a great honor for me to wear this jersey for such a long period of time. I did it with pride and passion.”
Kroos rounded up everything with gratitude: “Thanks to all the fans and supporters, who carried and supported me with their applause and chants. And thanks to all the critics for their extra motivation.
“At the very end, I would like to thank ‘Jogi Löw’ most of all. He made me a German international and world champion. He trusted me. We have written a success story for a long time. It was an honor, take care – and good luck and success to Hansi Flick.”
It was in 2019 when the player regarded by many as one of the best midfielders in the world made his international debut for Germany. Between then and now, the 31-year-old featured 106 times for Germany, racking up 17 goals, including a last-gasp goal against Sweden that helped Germany progress in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He also produced 19 assists in all.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
