TONI KROOS is one of the most iconic midfielders in world football.
The German midfielder, 32, has won the Champions League five times in his storied career.
And he won the World Cup with die Mannschaft in 2014, playing a key part as they decimated Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals.
But World Cup fans will have noticed his absence in the German team during this winter’s tournament.
Especially after his superb form in the Champions League and given his Real Madrid midfield team-mates for their win in May, Luka Modric and Casemiro – who is now at Manchester United – are in Qatar.
But Kroos has taken a different path during the latter stages of his career.
Why isn’t Toni Kroos playing for Germany at the 2022 World Cup?
Kroos decided to step down from international football following Germany’s campaign at the Euros last summer.
The tournament was delayed by a year – but after they were eliminated by England in the last 16, he decided it was time to call time on his international career.
While Kroos has never used the term ‘international retirement’ he has made himself unavailable for Hansi Flick’s squad.
So Germany have had to press on with Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich and Ilkay Gundogan in midfield.
He said: “I’ve played for Germany 106 times.
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“There won’t be another time. I made the decision to quit after this tournament a long time ago.
“It has been clear to me that I would not be available for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
