Toni Kroos intends to finish his career at Real Madrid, while the former Germany international says he will not reverse his decision to retire from the national team ahead of Qatar 2022.
The veteran playmaker has completed a clean sweep of major honours with the LaLiga giants since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2014, shortly after helping Die Mannschaft to World Cup glory in Brazil.
Yet having hung up his boots for the national side following last year’s Euro 2020 last-16 exit at the hands of England, Kroos may well follow suit at domestic level sooner rather than later.
However, he will not be looking to wrap up his time on the pitch anywhere other than the Santiago Bernabeu, regardless of time frame.
“I believe that the year 2023 is appropriate [to retire],” Kroos told Bild. “I will be 33 years old.
“I will decide whether I will renew for a season or two. That is still open for discussion, but I am completely sure that I will retire at Real Madrid.”
Kroos will not walk back his decision to depart the national team, however, with the 106-cap veteran having no intention of making himself available for Hansi Flick’s squad.
“The decision I made at that time stands,” he added.