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Toni Kroos announces shock Germany return

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, February 23, 2024
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Toni Kroos might soon be entering a flower shop to please his mother Brigitte.

The Real Madrid midfielder seemed to feel guilty after he had announced his return to Germany's national team after an absence of over two years against the explicit opinion and advice of his mother.

Toni Kroos of Germany's national football team attends a training session in Stuttgart, Germany, on Aug. 31, 2020. Germany is to play Spain in a UEFA Nations League match on Sep. 3. (Xinhua)

"She said I shouldn't do it; therefore, I guess I need to apologize in some way," the 34-year-old five-time Champions League winner said.

Kroos added that he felt fine after his initial resignation from the team after Euro 2020 "as I honestly was through with it." Now the world-class footballer's fire seems rekindled.

Criticism saw him leave Bayern Munich in 2014 after Germany's FIFA World Cup triumph in Brazil. The same doubts accompanied him in his final games in 2021, when he was accused of slowing down Germany's game.

"It took a while until I was convinced to return; I was out for two and a half years," the three-time La Liga winner said after officially announcing his return on social media.

"Folks, to make it short and sweet, I am going to return and play for the national team again," he wrote after intense talks and a phone call from Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Kroos spoke about being flattered by Nagelsmann's statement that he needed him to secure a successful Euro 2024 tournament on home soil.

Heart and soul had always been with the team he has played for 106 times. The positive feeling grew over the recent weeks and "got stronger every day."

Kroos said he is returning because Nagelsmann called. "I am sure we will be much more successful than many in Germany expect."

Kroos played his last game in June 2021 when Germany lost to England 2-0 in the last 16 of Euro 2020.

Former Bayern president Ui Hoeness said Kroos and his style are not suitable for modern football any more.

Germany's record appearance maker Lothar Matthaus also said there is no need to call for Kroos, as "the Germany midfield isn't a pressing side."

German media called Kroos' decision brave.

After all, Nagelsmann must have put a convincing plan on the table, as Kroos seems aware he is in for a delicate mission.

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