The German midfielder, Toni Kroos, says that his team is ready to face the challenge of Spain in Euro 2024.
The veteran leader, who retired from international football in 2021, returned for one last dance following the announcement that he would be hanging up his boots this summer.
But following his last game for Real Madrid – the Champions League final victory at Wembley – he turned to the national team for the last major competition.
So far, hosts Germany have been strong, making it to the quarter-finals, but face their toughest possible test against Spain.
He will face his Madrid team-mate Dani Carvajal, Nacho and Joselu, and the latter say they want to retire the 34-year-old player.
But Kroos laughed off the joke and said he was looking forward to the fight.
Joselu made a joke about withdrawing Toni Kroos in the quarter-final match between Spain and Germany 😂 pic.twitter.com/wbilwu3XN3
– ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 3, 2024
Speaking before the game, he said: “I know him well, I know how he meant it.”
“So I will let him wish and do everything I can to prevent it from happening.
“Now we have finally entered the stages of the competition that we really wanted to be in, and we can be happy about that.
“However, we are motivated by the team and in the changing room to move forward. And we are sure that we can overcome that.”
Should Germany beat Spain, they will book a semi-final against France or Portugal.
Kroos may be within two games of retirement as his side prepare to face two incredibly tough opponents, but he added that even if they do, he is ready for the next chapter of his life.
He said: “There will be nothing I can do like playing football. And this section will end.
“On the other hand, I am looking forward to this new stage, because at some point this day comes to every active player. And I better choose this day for myself.”
Germany and Spain will face each other on Friday evening.
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