Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has revealed he has ended his international retirement to represent Germany at this summer’s European Championships on home soil.
Kroos, 34, walked away from international duty in July 2021 in the immediate aftermath of Germany’s humiliating exit from Euro 2020 but has long faced calls to return for this summer’s tournament, which will be held in Germany.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has repeatedly left the door open to a potential return for Kroos, admitting in late 2023 that the midfielder must decide whether a return to the international fold is right for him.
Taking to Instagram to confirm his decision, Kroos revealed he will make his return to the international stage in the next international break in March.
“I will play for Germany again in March,” he wrote. “Why? Because I was asked by the coach, I’m in the mood and I’m sure that, with the team at the European Championships, much more is possible than most believe right now.”
Germany are seeking redemption this summer after two bitterly disappointing outings at the last major tournaments.
Die Mannschaft were knocked out at the group stage of the 2018 World Cup before they limped through to the last 16 of Euro 2020, where they were dumped out by England. In between those two humiliations, Germany were due to be relegated from Nations League A before a competition revamp kept them in the top flight.
Kroos called time on his career with 106 caps to his name but the Real Madrid man is now due to add to his tally in March. Germany travel to face France on March 23 before hosting the Netherlands three days later.
Currently ninth on Germany’s all-time appearance charts, Kroos needs three more to overtake Jurgen Klinsmann in eighth. Philipp Lahm sits seventh with 113 – should Kroos’ Germany reach the quarter-finals this summer, he could tie the former right-back’s tally.
What we know
- Kroos retired from international duty in July 2021 after Germany’s poor showing at Euro 2020
- Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has never ruled out a reunion
- Kroos will now represent his country on home soil.