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Toni Kroos in the Real Madrid jersey
Photo: Filip Singer / EPA
Toni Kroos remains tight-lipped about his sporting future at Real Madrid and a possible return to the German national football team. Even though he is currently being praised highly by coaches, teammates and the media, the midfielder himself reveals little.
»I don't know yet, to be honest, I'm still thinking about it, I haven't made a decision yet. The truth is that I am content, I am happy. And if a lot of people want me to continue playing, then it's a positive signal," said Kroos before the first leg of the round of 16 in the Champions League this Tuesday (9 p.m./Prime Video) at RB Leipzig.
When asked explicitly about a comeback after 106 international matches in the national team, the 34-year-old said: "As far as the national team is concerned, it's the same, I'm thinking about it, there's the possibility."
Real's defense chief Antonio Rüdiger and other national players had recently repeatedly spoken out in favor of a DFB comeback for the 2014 world champion. Kroos resigned from the national team after the 2021 European Championship and 106 international matches.
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti did not want to give his exceptional talent any instructions or specific advice. »I don't know, Toni Kroos has the right to decide for himself what he wants. It is of course important with the euro in your own country, it could also work well. But he has the right to make this decision." This is how the experienced coach has handled things with the Royals so far.
Former Bayern coach Ancelotti explained why Kroos is now in such good shape, including the strength of the Madrilenians' team. »He is always the best. He had already had the same accuracy of passing ten years ago at FC Bayern. What sets him apart now is that he plays in a team that plays with enormous energy, so his strengths come into their own even more. “He just feels good with the young players,” said Ancelotti.
ara/dpa