“Thank God Joselu wants to retire me now and not in Madrid”

Toni Kroos He appeared before the press at a German rally in Herzogenaurach. The German midfielder has just finished his contract with Real Madrid. After this Euro he will hang up his boots. It was interesting to know his opinion about the possibility that Spain, the country where he spent the most important part of his career and where he will continue to live, could send him into retirement. This is what his teammate Joselu wanted a few days ago: “I understand that it is his idea and it would mean that Spain will reach the semi-finals. But Germany also has many things that could prevent Joselu from realizing his dream. Spain plays fantastic football, and so do we. The game will be the opposite of boring. I know what Joselu says and how, and I have to smile about that.”

“It’s normal for them, they want to win the Euro. I will try to do everything to prevent that from happening. Spain is here to win. Nacho, Carvajal, Joselu… Thank God, they didn’t want to send me into retirement in Madrid. “Because they are my friends,” Kroos added with a laugh.

The last match is possible. “Of course, you mean that this could be your last game. But it doesn’t bother me, it’s more of a great motivation to make it last as long as possible, hopefully until the end. It was my decision, I know my situation. I live very well with it, that’s how it is. I will be happy without football. I experienced it in the second round, but it didn’t happen to me.”

His last press conference. “I’ll miss you less than I’ll miss football. I’m not homesick, I didn’t bring you any cake. You’ll still have to invite me if I continue in the tournament. I bet I’ll continue in the tournament, I don’t think this will be my last press conference.”

About Lehmann. “Lehmann does not represent us, that’s true. He always has a different opinion from others. Spain have shown that they have very experienced players, like Rodri, Morata, Nacho… We are waiting for a top Spain. They are playing well, and so are we. It will be a good game.”

De la Fuente’s Statements and Del Bosque. “I like that players and coaches can say things like that with confidence. I see it differently. It’s nice to know that they are the best and that Spain is playing well. I think it will be a fifty-fifty game and everything will be decided in the details.”

German improvement. “I have mixed feelings. If you look at the last few months before the Euro, Germany had a lot of self-doubt. That’s normal, given the performances in the last tournaments. We had a minimum target. Now, whatever happens, we can’t talk about a disaster. But I wouldn’t say being here is a bonus, because as a team we want to win the tournament. There is a lot of ambition to continue.”

What will he do after football? “I know that football will no longer be a major part of my life. But I’m not afraid because I made this decision, no one told me I had to say goodbye. I still love this game and whatever happens, I’ll do what I love as much as football. “I’ll keep choosing things for myself.”

Fight with Rodri. “Both teams have a high level of play. We know how good Spain are and some of their weaknesses. The team that controls the situation will win a lot. Both teams want to have the ball, but it will depend on how the ball is used. Rodri? He is one of the great players of City and Spain. He never seems to be under pressure and he has also scored important goals in the last couple of years. He is perfect for the football that Guardiola plays. If you ask me about their differences, I would like the number 6 next to it because I do 8 inches.

Spain puts pressure on Kroos. “Maybe it’s your idea, I know that the opponents see us and they are not stupid. They know our qualities, it’s not surprising. The question is to find a solution. Spain will not be the first team to try, but I think the Spanish players will focus on what they do. In their documents there is no possibility to mark this person, they want to have control. If they push me, there will be other people who can fill this place.”

Rudiger underestimated him. “One hundred percent of what is said on social media is false or misinterpreted. You get a different impression of people if you see them every day. Rüdiger is a very important and popular player. I like him in my team, not in front of it. He has proven himself a long time ago. He is a real defender, he likes to defend. “I would ask the opposing strikers what they think.”

He made his debut in 2007, when Yamal was born. “You say that and I don’t feel young, thank you. It’s been a long time since 2007. Lamine has been playing for Barcelona for a year now and the stability he offers is incredible. I’ve played against him a few times and he’s impressive, always a threat. I take my hat off to him. Spain have two great wings: Nico and Lamine. The whole team must help protect them.”

What are you going to do after football? “I will be with my children, I have three, and this will be my job. “I opened my own academy in Madrid, the children will be fundamental in my life.”

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