German international Toni Kroos is reportedly set to announce his retirement from international football after the European Championships this summer.
According to German outlet Bild, the midfielder has made his mind up to concentrate on club football.
The decision will come as a major shock to the fans who would have expected to see the midfielder representing their country in the World Cup next year.
Toni Kroos is undoubtedly a legend for the German national team, and he has been crucial to their success in recent years. He was a key part of the team that won the World Cup in 2014. The midfielder will be disappointed to bow out of the European Championships earlier today.
Germany were beaten 2-0 by England in the round-of-16 clash, and Kroos put on an ineffective performance for his side.
The Real Madrid midfielder is one of the best passers of his generation, and it will be interesting to see how Germany replace him in the midfield before the World Cup.
There is no doubt that Germany have an exceptional pool of young talent at their disposal, but replacing a player of Kroos’ calibre is extremely difficult. Hansi Flick, the new manager will have quite a challenge on his hands.
Along with Toni kroos, German manager Joachim Low announced that he would step down after the European Championships. The World Cup-winning manager will be disappointed with the way his reign has come to an end.
Meanwhile, the news of his international retirement will come as a boost for Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants will have the midfielder well-rested during the international breaks. It could only help him perform at a higher level for his club.