Could the star Real Madrid midfielder make his way back to the national team?
Real Madrid star and former Bayern Munich central midfielder Toni Kroos is considering a return to the Germany men’s national team ahead of next summer’s EURO 2024, according to Sport Bild reporter Christian Falk (via @iMiaSanMia):
Toni Kroos is now open to a return to the national team. His international retirement is no longer definitive. Kroos is also tempted by the idea of his kids watching him play at a European Championship at home [@cfbayern]
The 33-year-old originally retired from international football after the last edition of the European Championships, held in the summer of 2021. In his statement at the time, Kroos cited his wish to enjoy more time with his family — but now, it seems, a home country tournament is a tempting prospect.
Kroos was one of Germany’s stalwart performers in 2021 under then-national team manager Joachim Löw. Current manager Julian Nagelsmann offered his thoughts on a Kroos return for ZDF sportstudio.
“Interesting thought. My job is to think about all German players. Toni is a great person who says his opinion clearly — and a very successful footballer. You can talk to him about everything,” Nagelsmann said in comments captured by @iMiaSanMia. “[Did I talk to him about a return?] No, not concretely. We spoke about general topics.”
Kroos could even be in line for a call-up to the next national team squad for the March international period. But he will have to earn it in a midfield currently patrolled by Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, and FC Barcelona’s İlkay Gündoğan, among others.
“I think playing a Euros at home is an attractive prospect for all German players. It depends on him, his performances and on other players,” Nagelsmann added.
Real Madrid teammate and Germany center-back Antonio Rüdiger is enthusiastic about the prospect.
“I’m asking him every day. A player like him, who is still at such a high level, really has to be there. His passing game is from another planet — everything he does is great. I would really like him to play for the national team again. But that’s his decision,” Rüdiger said in comments captured by DAZN, via @iMiaSanMia.
In 2021, Germany recalled two former national team greats just in time for that summer’s European Championships — Bayern’s Thomas Müller and Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels. Could another star return this time around?
Read more
