By Elliot Worsell (June 20) AS Euros fever sweeps the nation, you will find it harder and harder to forget that for Toni Kroos, one of Germany’s star players, this will be his last assignment in a Germany shirt. It is a nice story, after all, and Germany’s hope, with this being a home tournament for them, is that Kroos will go out in style, providing the story with its perfect ending; the very ending Kroos himself would write if granted the opportunity. Then again, by virtue of him being in a position to retire when he can, it could be argued that Toni Kroos already has his storybook ending.
Still just 34, it was only a few weeks ago that Kroos was helping Real Madrid win the Champions League; the fifth medal of that kind for the midfielder. That success brought an end to his club career, meaning he finished well and truly on top, and it also highlighted the fact that Kroos, unlike so many athletes who consider retirement, has crafted his exit plan while pretty much in his prime. Indeed, if good enough to start for Real Madrid in a Champions League final, and if good enough to have the hopes of a nation resting on his shoulders at a home tournament, one starts to question whether Kroos is maybe even getting out too soon.
This chance to leave them wanting more is a luxury. It is a luxury enjoyed by footballers more so than boxers, of course, and Kroos, retiring at 34, need not worry about finances or opportunities in the future. He is just fine.
Or he will be. He has made .