Retired Toni Kroos Doesn’t Rule Out Real Madrid Return

Retired Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos didn't rule out returning to his former club in some capacity during an episode of the podcast he hosts with brother Felix.

Kroos shocked the soccer world earlier this year when announcing that he would hang up his boots following a home-held Euros with the German national team.

He did so at the height of his powers, when many felt that the 34-year-old had put on his best season since joining Madrid from Bayern Munich for a bargain fee a decade ago.

Helping Los Blancos to record-extending 36th and 15th La Liga and Champions League crowns, Kroos couldn't replicate such success with Germany - which was knocked out the Euros by eventual winners Spain at the quarterfinal stage - yet still goes down as arguably the greatest player his country has produced this century.

He is currently enjoying retired life, which entails spending more time with his family and overseeing a soccer academy in the Spanish capital he has called home since 2014.

Yet on a recent episode of the Einfach mal Luppen podcast, Kroos didn't rule out returning to former employers Real Madrid one day.

"Now I'm totally busy with my projects, but given the closeness to Madrid, my relationship at Madrid, I would never rule out doing something at the club at some point in the future," Kroos said.

MORE FOR YOU
What Time Is Netflix’s Live Jake Paul Vs. Mike Tyson Fight On Friday?
Trump’s Cabinet: Here Are His Picks For Key Roles—RFK Jr, Doug Burgum, Matt Gaetz And More
NYT ‘Strands’ Today: Hints, Spangram And Answers For Friday, November 15th

"Appearing now in the club's public environment... The first thing I would say is no, no matter how close I feel to the club. But I'm not saying that I'm not going to do or have anything to do with Real again in my whole life, of course I wouldn't rule it out.

"In what role I don't know, or if the club can imagine it or not. But I wouldn't rule out the possibility of seeing myself again in some way at Real at some point," he added.

One thing is for certain, head coach Carlo Ancelotti and many associated with Madrid such as former player and manager Jorge Valdano would probably like to see Kroos back on the Bernabeu pitch pulling the strings in midfield.

While Ancelotti can't say as much in public, Valdano has voiced his belief that a Madrid which won the treble with Kroos last term is currently struggling because of his absence.

"The departure of Toni Kroos was underestimated, and it is in midfield where Real Madrid do not find balance," Valdano said to Spanish television giant Movistar, where he works as a commentator and pundit, following a Champions League loss to AC Milan.

"Kroos' presence was healing. He gave the team patience when they needed it and mental quickness when it was necessary to accelerate.

"There are many things that Real Madrid have lost without Kroos and they are not able to compensate for it even with some of the best players in the world," Valdano further lamented.

With international fixtures having taken over the calendar, Madrid returns to action through a Sunday showdown with Leganes on November 24 while currently six points behind bitter rival and La Liga leader FC Barcelona.