Germany star Toni Kroos to retire from international duty after Euro 2020

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World Cup winner Toni Kroos is set to retire from international duty at the end of the rearranged European Championship this summer, following Germany coach Joachim Low out of the door.

Low, who guided Die Mannschaft to glory in Brazil at World Cup 2014, has already announced his intention to leave his post after 15 years at the helm, but it appears he won’t be the only mainstay to make that transition.

Joachim Loew, Toni Kroos followingJoachim Loew, Toni Kroos following
Kroos and Low will both be ending their time with the German national team | Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

According to Bild (via Marca), Kroos has decided to retire from the international scene at the end of Euro 2020, and will then focus on maintaining his high levels for club side Real Madrid.

The 31-year-old has made 101 appearances for the German national team, scoring 17 goals in that time, and of course, lifting the World Cup in 2014. He has been a constant presence at the heart of their midfield, and will be a big miss in the future.

His departure will mark another step towards the future for Germany, as the national team attempts to move on from the squad which has brought so much glory and pride over the past decade.

Injury has ruled Kroos out of competing in the first round of World Cup qualifying matches for the 2022 competition in Qatar, having suffered an adductor tear prior to travelling with the team.

Toni Kroos with the World Cup Toni Kroos with the World Cup
Kroos is a celebrated figure in Germany | Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Madrid have offered no timeframe on a possible return for the deep-lying playmaker, but this type of issue could see him miss four to five weeks of action for Los Blancos. This will come as a huge blow to Zinedine Zidane’s side, as they approach the final weeks of the season, locked in an intense title battle.

It is possible that Kroos has made this decision to try and prolong his domestic career, but whatever happens, his absence will be deeply felt by the team and their supporters. He’ll certainly be hoping to bring home another trophy in his final outing at Euro 2020.

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