Toni Kroos confirmed his return to the German national team in February after announcing his retirement from international football in 2021. In front of a packed press conference, the Real Madrid player stated: “Now it’s time to get to work.”
The 34-year-old was named in Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and the Netherlands. Speaking on Tuesday, Kroos said: “When the national coach asked me, I asked myself whether I could help the team play a better tournament than our country accepts after the last few years.”
Kroos’ return was welcomed by Uli Hoeneß but was also met by scepticism from others. “I’m more happy about the voices that welcome my decision than those that reject it […] I have made my peace and I don’t think I have to prove anything to anyone anymore.”
His return to the German national team means that he will play alongside Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala for the first time. Kroos only had high praise for the duo: “We have to make it so that we can enjoy these great footballers and that they are fun for us. I also see it as my job to put them in position so that they don’t get blocked.”
Germany will play France on Saturday night before hosting the Netherlands on Tuesday.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
