Germany’s midfield maestro, Toni Kroos, is gearing up for the challenge of facing Spain in the upcoming Euro 2024 match.
The experienced leader, who had previously retired from international football in 2021, made a comeback for one final hurrah after announcing his retirement this summer following his final game for Real Madrid in the Champions League final win at Wembley.
Germany, the hosts of the tournament, have been in impressive form, breezing into the quarter-finals, but they now face a formidable opponent in Spain.
Kroos will be up against his former Real Madrid teammates Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Joselu, who jokingly mentioned his desire to retire the 34-year-old midfielder.
However, Kroos took the joke in stride and expressed his eagerness for the upcoming battle.
Joselu jokes about retiring Toni Kroos in Spain’s quarter-final game against Germany 😂 pic.com/wbilwu3XN3
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 3, 2024
Looking ahead to the match, Kroos stated, “We are finally in the stages of the tournament that we have been aiming for, and we are determined to go further. We believe in our abilities and are motivated to succeed.”
If Germany triumphs over Spain, they will set up a semi-final clash with either France or Portugal.
As Kroos potentially nears the end of his playing career with just two more games in sight, he remains prepared for the next phase of his life even if his team exits the tournament.
He reflected, “There is nothing I can do better than playing football, but this chapter will come to a close. I am excited for the new phase that awaits me, as every player eventually reaches this point in their career.”
Germany and Spain are set to face off on Friday evening in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.