Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has decided to retire from international football in what has been a decorated spell with his country.
The Real Madrid star was an integral part of Germany’s triumph at the 2014 World Cup in a career with his national team spanning 106 caps, his last of which came in a 2-0 defeat to England at Wembley on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old said in his announcement that he is looking to focus more on his club career as well as spending some time away from the field with his family.
“I’ve played for Germany 106 times. There won’t be another time.
“I would have dearly wished, and I gave everything again, that there would have been 109 internationals in the end and that this one big title, the European Championship, would have been added at the end.
“I had made the decision to quit after this tournament for a long time. It had been clear to me for a long time that I would not be available for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“Mainly because I want to focus fully on my goals with Real Madrid for the next few years. In addition, from now on I will deliberately allow myself breaks that have not existed as a national player for eleven years.
“And moreover, as a husband and dad, I would also like to be there for my wife and three children.
“It was a great honor for me to be able to wear this jersey for such a long time. I did it with pride and passion.
“Thanks to all fans and supporters who carried and supported me with their applause and cheers. And thanks to all the critics for their extra motivation.
“At the very end I would like to say thank you very much to Jogi Löw. He made me a national player and world champion. He trusted me. We have written a success story for a long time.
“It was an honor for me, doing it well – and good luck and success to Hansi Flick.
Your Toni”