Germany midfielder Toni Kroos says his side are ready for the challenge of Spain at Euro 2024.
The veteran leader, who previously retired from international football in 2021, returned for one last dance following the announcement that he would be hanging his boots up this summer.
But following his final game for Real Madrid – the Champions League final win at Wembley – he turned to the national team for a final major tournament.
So far, hosts Germany have been formidable, easing into the quarter-finals, but face perhaps the toughest test possible against Spain.
He will come up against former Madrid team-mates Dani Carvajal, Nacho and Joselu, with the latter saying he wants to send the 34-year-old into retirement.
But Kroos laughed off the joke and said he is looking forward to the battle.
Joselu jokes about retiring Toni Kroos in Spain’s quarter-final game against Germany 😂 pic.twitter.com/wbilwu3XN3
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 3, 2024
Speaking ahead of the match, he said: “I know him very well, I know how he meant it.
“So, I’ll let him wish and do everything I can so that it doesn’t come true.
“We’re now finally in the stages of the tournament that we really wanted to be in, and we can be happy with that.
“We’re motivated, however, in the team and in the locker room, to get much further. And we’re convinced we can manage that.”
Should Germany overcome Spain, they will book in a semi-final date with either France or Portugal.
Kroos could be within two games of retirement as his side prepare to face two incredibly tough opponents, but he adds that even if they go out, he is ready for the next chapter of his life.
He said: “There will never be anything I can do as well as playing football. And this phase will be over.
“On the other hand, I’m really looking forward to this new phase, because at some point this day comes for every active player. And I’d rather pick this day out for myself.”
Germany and Spain face-off on Friday evening.
