"Let's hope to retire him on Friday" - Toni Kroos' ex-Real Madrid teammate makes bold claim ahead of Spain-Germany Euro 2024 showdown
Real Madrid on-loan striker Joselu has said that he would like to send his former teammate Toni Kroos into retirement when Spain and Germany collide in a blockbuster Euro 2024 quarter-final in Stuttgart on Friday (July 3). The legendary midfielder is retiring after the ongoing tournament.
Kroos, 34, is one of the premier midfielders of his generation, carving out a niche for himself, first at Bayern Munich before spending a hugely successful decade at Real Madrid between 2014 and 2024.
Having bid adieu to club football at the end of the 2023-24 season by winning Los Blancos' record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League, Kroos is hoping for a golden swansong from international football as well.
Returning to the international arena in March at the behest of boss Julian Nagelsmann after announcing his retirement after Euro 2020, Kroos is looking to steer hosts Germany to Euro 2024 glory.
Ahead of the marquee clash with Die National Mannschaft, Joselu spoke warmly of Kroos but wants to send his former club teammate into early retirement. The Spain striker said in a press conference (as per Fans Word and Sportbible):
“I hope this is the last match for Toni Kroos. It is not a special match just because he is here, but we are competing in the quarter-finals in the Euro against a great team.”
“We hope that we can eliminate Kroos on Friday. My relationship with him is very good. We always talked, and he gave me advice. It was a pleasure to play with him. Let's hope to retire him on Friday. It was a real pleasure to play with him.”
Kroos and Co.are coming off a 2-0 win over Denmark in the Round of 16, while Spain saw off Georgia 4-1 to set up a showdown with their fellow three-time European champions.
Euro 2024: How has Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos fared for Germany ahead of Spain showdown?
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has fared decently on his return to major tournament football since last featuring at Euro 2020, where Germany lost 2-0 to England in the Round of 16.
The 34-year-old has featured in all four games so far, playing every minute except for the last 10 in the 5-1 opening group-stage win over Scotland. Although Kroos is yet to register a goal contribution, he has been impressive at the heart of Germany's midfield at Euro 2024.
Kroos and Co. are looking to end their 10-year major tournament drought since triumphing at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Germany's last success at the European Championship was in 1996. They made the final in 2008 but lost to Spain by a solitary goal. Can they avenge that defeat at Euro 2024?