Euro 2024: Joselu out to retire friend Toni Kroos when Spain meet Germany - ‘I think Friday is his last game’
Published 03/07/2024 at 19:07 GMT+1
Spain striker Joselu is hoping Toni Kroos bows out from international football on Friday as his side face hosts Germany in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. The former Real Madrid team-mates will turn foes in Stuttgart as the two in-form teams of the tournament collide for a place in the last four. Kroos retired from club football after Madrid won the UEFA Champions League for the 15th time.
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Joselu has thrown down the gauntlet to his former Real Madrid team-mate Toni Kroos ahead of Spain’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with Germany on Friday.
Kroos retired from club football after Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund to clinch the UEFA Champions League and the 34-year-old will call time on his international career after this tournament.
“I love Toni [but] I think Friday is his last game,” Joselu said. “We know the quality he has. He is a key player for Germany but we can't focus only on him. They are a very dangerous team, above all in attack.
“We know that every time they have possession, the ball passes through Toni. We will have to have a special eye on him so that Germany can't play their game.
“He's been a good friend and, at Madrid, we spoke a lot and he gave me a lot of advice. He is fundamental for Germany as he has been for Madrid, but we hope it will be his final game and we retire him on Friday.”
Kroos has been instrumental for hosts Germany, who beat Denmark 2-0 to reach the last eight.
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Germany and Spain have, arguably, been the two sides that have impressed the most so far, so it promises to be a compelling showdown in Stuttgart.
'It's funny' - Kroos fires back
In response to Joselu’s comments, Kroos said: “He says that because he wants to win. I understand that he wants Spain to reach the semi-final, but I think Germany have a lot of things to prevent Spain getting through.
“It's going to be an exciting game. It certainly won't be boring. It's funny what Joselu said.”
Spain had to come from behind to beat Georgia in the last 16 after being stunned on the break, but their superior quality told in a 4-1 victory.
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And Joselu picked out Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who has established himself as one of the game’s greatest defensive midfielders, for particular praise.
“Rodri is the best in his position in the world,” he added. “His quality is extremely high. There is no one better in his role. Look at the numbers and you will see that he is fundamental for his club and for us.
“We have to take care of him. If he doesn't want to train for four days, then so be it, as long as he is fresh when the games come around.”
As for who, out of Kroos and Rodri, would make it into his team, he continued: “Both of them, Rodri at No. 6 and Toni at No. 8. They are two key players in their positions, and they show it every day.
“I saw it with Toni at Madrid and Rodri here with the national team. They are also players that carry weight in the dressing room. It's a shame we are going to have to say goodbye to Toni but that's what I want for Spain.”
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