Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has admitted that he may retire from Germany duty following the 2020 European Championship. The 29-year-old has been a key player for club and country over the years and he appears determined to end his international career on a high by guiding the nation to Euro 2020 success next summer.

Speaking to Bild, Kroos acknowledged that winning the European Championship remains the prime target for next summer and he could thereafter consider hanging up the boots at the international level, he said: “Of course, winning the title is a big goal. After the tournament, it’s a good time to think about it.”

Germany had a forgettable World Cup last summer where they were ousted at the group stage and that was followed by another average performance at the Nations League, where they have been relegated to League B. Despite this, Kroos believes there has been some improvement since the previous World Cup and the same has not been reflected in the form of results, he continued: “Even in the Nations League, which is not the most important competition, there was a certain change in our playing style, even if it wasn’t reflected in the results.”

Towards the end of last season, Kroos was touted to make the move away from the Bernabeu as part of the summer overhaul under Zinedine Zidane. However, that was certainly not the case with Los Blancos handing him with a fresh four-year contract and the midfielder has since suggested that he could retire at the conclusion of the deal rather than pursuing a big pay-day in China, USA or the Middle East.

Real Madrid have kept most of the senior midfield options ahead of the new league season, but they are expected to pursue at least one recruit to strengthen the department. Ajax’s Donny van de Beek has been earmarked as the number one target over the past few weeks but the club have yet to strike the deal with the Dutch champions.