🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 84 (from laksa172)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa084.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5240340/2024/01/31/toni-kroos-germany-retirement/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5240340/2024/01/31/toni-kroos-germany-retirement/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5240340\/2024\/01\/31\/toni-kroos-germany-retirement\/","crawl_time":1773120729,"first_indexed_time":1715407030,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,nytimes!www,\/athletic\/5240340\/2024\/01\/31\/toni-kroos-germany-retirement\/ s443","src_root_hash":"4566504020376537684","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Toni Kroos considering Germany retirement U-turn ahead of Euro 2024 - The Athletic","meta_descriptions":["Toni Kroos is considering coming out of international retirement and making himself available for Germany ahead of this summer’s European Championships. The Real Madrid midfielder, 34, called time on his international career following his country’s exit from Euro 2020 in 2021. However, with Germany hosting the tournament this summer, Kroos is considering a return. He holds a good relationship with Julian Nagelsmann, with whom he shares an agency, with the head coach calling the possibility an “interesting idea” in December, while team-mates, including Antonio Rudiger,..."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Toni Kroos\nis considering coming out of international retirement and making himself available for Germany ahead of this summer’s European Championships.\nThe\nReal Madrid\nmidfielder, 34,\ncalled time on his international career following his country’s exit from Euro 2020 in 2021.\nHowever, with\nGermany\nhosting the tournament this summer, Kroos is considering a return.\nHe holds a good relationship with Julian Nagelsmann, with whom he shares an agency, with the head coach calling the possibility an “interesting idea” in December, while team-mates, including\nAntonio Rudiger\n, have been vocal about wanting him to come back.\nHe has won 106 caps for Germany and was a key figure in the side that won the World Cup in 2014.\nKroos was named man of the match in the semi-final against\nBrazil\nand started the final against\nArgentina\n, playing the full 120 minutes as Germany claimed a 1-0 win.\nHe was also named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2016, as Germany lost 2-0 to\nFrance\nin the semi-finals.\nKroos won the World Cup with Germany in 2014\nMartin Rose\/Getty Images\nHe stepped away from the international game to spend more time with his family and to ensure a good end to his career with Madrid, which he has gone on to do.\nKroos’ future in the Spanish capital remains to be decided with his contract set to expire in June.\nThe club are open to an extension and while there has yet to be a formal offer both president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez have already told Kroos that he can renew if he so wishes.\nKroos, who has always said in public and in private that he wants to retire at Real and that he does not want to extend his career too long, is yet to make a decision either way.\nHe has enjoyed another impressive campaign making 29 appearances for Real so far this season, scoring one goal and adding seven assists.\nOnly five players have played more minutes this term with Carlo Ancelotti once again relying on him as a key starter.\nReal are next in action against\nGetafe\nin\nLa Liga\non Thursday.\nGO DEEPER\nReal Madrid - Europe's unlikely kings of defending set pieces\n(Matthias Hangst\/Getty Images)\nMar 10, 2026\nConnections: Sports Edition\nSpot the pattern. Connect the terms\nFind the hidden link between sports terms","attrs_markdown":"[![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACw=)Premier League](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/premier-league\/)\n\n[![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACw=)FA Cup](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/fa-cup\/)\n\n[![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACw=)2026 Men's World Cup](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/world-cup\/)\n\n[![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACw=)F1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/formula-1\/)\n\n[![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACw=)Champions League](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/champions-league\/)\n\n[![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACw=)Tennis](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/tennis\/)\n\n[![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACw=)Cricket](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/cricket\/)\n\n[![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACw=)La 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Football](https:\/\/cdn-league-logos.theathletic.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=48%2Cquality=70%2Cformat=auto\/https:\/\/cdn-league-logos.theathletic.com\/league-16-color@2x.png) ![International Football](https:\/\/cdn-league-logos.theathletic.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=48%2Cquality=70%2Cformat=auto\/https:\/\/cdn-league-logos.theathletic.com\/league-16-color@2x.png)International Football](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/international-football\/)\n\n• • •\n\n[![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACw=)Teams](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/international-football\/teams\/)\n\n[![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACw=)Podcasts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/podcasts\/international-football\/)\n\n[Log In](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/login2\/?ref_page=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fathletic%2F5240340%2F2024%2F01%2F31%2Ftoni-kroos-germany-retirement%2F&login_source=site_nav&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fathletic%2F5240340%2F2024%2F01%2F31%2Ftoni-kroos-germany-retirement%2F)\n\n# Toni Kroos considering Germany retirement U-turn ahead of Euro 2024\n![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/01\/31071259\/GettyImages-1323754353-scaled-e1706703200367-1024x682.jpg?width=1920&quality=70&auto=webp)\n\n[![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20version=%271.1%27%20width=%2740%27%20height=%2740%27\/%3e)![Mario Cortegana](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2023\/01\/04145235\/Cortegana-Sanchez-Mario-Complete.jpg?width=96&quality=70&auto=webp) ![Mario Cortegana](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2023\/01\/04145235\/Cortegana-Sanchez-Mario-Complete.jpg?width=96&quality=70&auto=webp)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/author\/mario-cortegana\/)\n\nBy\n\n[Mario Cortegana](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/author\/mario-cortegana\/)\n\nJan. 31, 2024Updated Feb. 12, 2024\n\nShare full article\n\n29\n\n[Toni Kroos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/player\/toni-kroos-VNHrYFlFiWQi2LXH\/) is considering coming out of international retirement and making himself available for Germany ahead of this summer’s European Championships.\n\nThe [Real Madrid](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/real-madrid\/) midfielder, 34, [called time on his international career following his country’s exit from Euro 2020 in 2021.](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/4207721\/2021\/07\/02\/toni-kroos-announces-his-retirement-from-germany-duty\/)\n\nHowever, with [Germany](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/germany\/) hosting the tournament this summer, Kroos is considering a return.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nHe holds a good relationship with Julian Nagelsmann, with whom he shares an agency, with the head coach calling the possibility an “interesting idea” in December, while team-mates, including [Antonio Rudiger](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/player\/antonio-rudiger-tqko5XSWRbH8iz36\/), have been vocal about wanting him to come back.\n\nHe has won 106 caps for Germany and was a key figure in the side that won the World Cup in 2014.\n\nKroos was named man of the match in the semi-final against [Brazil](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/brazil\/) and started the final against [Argentina](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/argentina\/), playing the full 120 minutes as Germany claimed a 1-0 win.\n\nHe was also named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2016, as Germany lost 2-0 to [France](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/france\/) in the semi-finals.\n\n![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/01\/31063902\/GettyImages-452114384-scaled-e1706701166368.jpg)\n\nKroos won the World Cup with Germany in 2014Martin Rose\/Getty Images\n\nHe stepped away from the international game to spend more time with his family and to ensure a good end to his career with Madrid, which he has gone on to do.\n\nKroos’ future in the Spanish capital remains to be decided with his contract set to expire in June.\n\nThe club are open to an extension and while there has yet to be a formal offer both president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez have already told Kroos that he can renew if he so wishes.\n\nKroos, who has always said in public and in private that he wants to retire at Real and that he does not want to extend his career too long, is yet to make a decision either way.\n\nHe has enjoyed another impressive campaign making 29 appearances for Real so far this season, scoring one goal and adding seven assists.\n\nOnly five players have played more minutes this term with Carlo Ancelotti once again relying on him as a key starter.\n\nReal are next in action against [Getafe](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/getafe-cf\/) in [La Liga](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/la-liga\/) on Thursday.\n\n[![go-deeper](https:\/\/cdn.theathletic.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=128,height=128,fit=cover,format=auto\/app\/uploads\/2024\/01\/25122551\/GettyImages-1952640318-scaled-e1706203571242-1024x684.jpg) GO DEEPER Real Madrid - Europe's unlikely kings of defending set pieces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5227643\/2024\/01\/26\/real-madrid-set-pieces-carlo-ancelotti\/)\n\n*(Matthias Hangst\/Getty Images)*\n\n[![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20version=%271.1%27%20width=%2740%27%20height=%2740%27\/%3e)![Mario Cortegana](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2023\/01\/04145235\/Cortegana-Sanchez-Mario-Complete.jpg?width=96&quality=70&auto=webp)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/author\/mario-cortegana\/)\n\nBy\n\n[Mario Cortegana](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/author\/mario-cortegana\/)\n\nFootball Writer, Real Madrid\n\nTagged To:\n\n[euro 2024](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/tag\/euro-2024\/)\n\n[European Championship](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/european-championship\/)\n\n[International Football](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/international-football\/)\n\n[Top Sports News](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/top-sports-news\/)\n\n[Real Madrid](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/real-madrid\/)\n\n\\+ more\n\nYour Next Read\n\nLatest League Stories\n\nLatest headlines\n\n![](data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNiIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDI0IDI0IiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMjQgMS45NTU1OUwxMC41MjQ3IDIxTDAgMTMuMjczTDEuOTYwMzEgMTAuNTUyTDkuNzY2NDggMTYuMjgzMUwyMS4yODc5IDBMMjQgMS45NTU1OVoiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAwMDAiPjwvcGF0aD4KPC9zdmc+Cg==)\n\n![Connections: Sports Edition Logo](data:image\/png;base64,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)\n\n![Connections: Sports Edition Logo](data:image\/png;base64,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)\n\nMar 10, 2026\n\n## Connections: Sports Edition\nSpot the pattern. Connect the terms\n\nFind the hidden link between sports terms\n\nPlay today's puzzle\n\n![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20version=%271.1%27%20width=%27100%27%20height=%27100%27\/%3e)![Mario Cortegana](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2023\/01\/04145235\/Cortegana-Sanchez-Mario-Complete.jpg?width=256&quality=70&auto=webp)\n\n![Mario Cortegana](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2023\/01\/04145235\/Cortegana-Sanchez-Mario-Complete.jpg?width=256&quality=70&auto=webp)\n\n**[Mario Cortegana](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/author\/mario-cortegana\/)** Santos is a Football Writer for The Athletic covering Real Madrid. He has followed Los Blancos since 2019 at Diario AS, Goal.com and MARCA. He usually appears on Gol TV and is a main collaborator in the YouTube show The Four Amigos Podcast. He has covered the EURO 2020 and Qatar 2022. Follow Mario on Twitter **[@MarioCortegana](https:\/\/twitter.com\/MarioCortegana)**\n\nCOMMENTS\n\n29\n\nD\n\nDavid C.\n\n· Jan 31, 2024\n\nOne one hand, Kroos is now a natural \"sitter\" so you can see how Nagelsmann might be thinking 4-3-3 with Gundogan & Kimmich - with Goretzka off the bench. But assuming Sane is a shoo-in for one attacking berth, would Musiala be a wide attacker or a false 9 - or on the bench with Goretzka?  \nPersonally, if i was Nagelsmann, i'd wait and see if Kroos gets a start for Real in the CL knockouts - Kroos has many qualities but i don't think pace over the ground is one of them... not sure it helps Germany vs transitions even if it helps them keep the ball.  \nBut, if the idea is for Kroos to come on in the 2nd half and control games then i can see it working - having Kroos, Muller & Fullkrug on the bench will help chase the game, keep the ball and in any potential penalty shoot-out.  \nOne thing - Kroos is brilliant at free kicks... having a bunch of dancy-feet skill merchants being fouled outside the box could be a strategy if Kroos is on the pitch\\!\n***\n\nS\n\nSantiago F.\n\n· Jan 31, 2024\n\nDidn’t get to see the likes of some historic midfielders of the past, but if I had to choose among those I’ve seen (and Im biased cause Im a madridista) Kroos’ tempo mastery and his elegance with the ball + his leadership and set of values (at least those he shows to the public) put him among my 3-5 favorite midfielders. Will mourn the day he an Lukita leave\n***\n\nD\n\nDavid Robert T.\n\n· Jan 31, 2024\n\nI have a feeling he will try to one-up Zidane.  \nTry to win the Euros then retire while still being world class.  \nYou know, without the headbutt.  \nAlso actually winning the trophy.\n\nView all comments\n\nNational\n\n[Boxing](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/boxing\/)\n\n[Bundesliga](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/bundesliga\/)\n\n[Champions League](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/champions-league\/)\n\n[Championship](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/efl-championship\/)\n\n[College Football](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/college-football\/)\n\n[College Sports](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/college-sports\/)\n\n[Copa America](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/copa-america\/)\n\n[Copa del 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Company](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/)\n\n![](data:image\/svg+xml;base64,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)Your 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![Facebook](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/logos\/team\/fb-gray.png?width=48&quality=70&format=auto)](https:\/\/facebook.com\/TheAthleticFC)\n\n[![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20version=%271.1%27%20width=%2718%27%20height=%2718%27\/%3e)![Instagram](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/logos\/team\/ig-gray.png?width=48&quality=70&format=auto) ![Instagram](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/logos\/team\/ig-gray.png?width=48&quality=70&format=auto)](https:\/\/instagram.com\/theathleticfc\/)\n\n[![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20version=%271.1%27%20width=%27100%27%20height=%2730%27\/%3e)![Download on the App Store](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/logos\/team\/appstore-ios.png?width=256&quality=70&format=auto) ![Download on the App Store](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/logos\/team\/appstore-ios.png?width=256&quality=70&format=auto)](https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/the-athletic-sports-news\/id1135216317)\n\n[![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20version=%271.1%27%20width=%27100%27%20height=%2730%27\/%3e)![Get it on Google Play](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/logos\/team\/appstore-android.png?width=256&quality=70&format=auto) ![Get it on Google Play](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/logos\/team\/appstore-android.png?width=256&quality=70&format=auto)](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.theathletic)","attrs_readable_markdown":"[Toni Kroos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/player\/toni-kroos-VNHrYFlFiWQi2LXH\/) is considering coming out of international retirement and making himself available for Germany ahead of this summer’s European Championships.\n\nThe [Real Madrid](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/real-madrid\/) midfielder, 34, [called time on his international career following his country’s exit from Euro 2020 in 2021.](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/4207721\/2021\/07\/02\/toni-kroos-announces-his-retirement-from-germany-duty\/)\n\nHowever, with [Germany](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/germany\/) hosting the tournament this summer, Kroos is considering a return.\n\nHe holds a good relationship with Julian Nagelsmann, with whom he shares an agency, with the head coach calling the possibility an “interesting idea” in December, while team-mates, including [Antonio Rudiger](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/player\/antonio-rudiger-tqko5XSWRbH8iz36\/), have been vocal about wanting him to come back.\n\nHe has won 106 caps for Germany and was a key figure in the side that won the World Cup in 2014.\n\nKroos was named man of the match in the semi-final against [Brazil](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/brazil\/) and started the final against [Argentina](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/argentina\/), playing the full 120 minutes as Germany claimed a 1-0 win.\n\nHe was also named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2016, as Germany lost 2-0 to [France](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/france\/) in the semi-finals.\n\n![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/01\/31063902\/GettyImages-452114384-scaled-e1706701166368.jpg)\n\nKroos won the World Cup with Germany in 2014Martin Rose\/Getty Images\n\nHe stepped away from the international game to spend more time with his family and to ensure a good end to his career with Madrid, which he has gone on to do.\n\nKroos’ future in the Spanish capital remains to be decided with his contract set to expire in June.\n\nThe club are open to an extension and while there has yet to be a formal offer both president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez have already told Kroos that he can renew if he so wishes.\n\nKroos, who has always said in public and in private that he wants to retire at Real and that he does not want to extend his career too long, is yet to make a decision either way.\n\nHe has enjoyed another impressive campaign making 29 appearances for Real so far this season, scoring one goal and adding seven assists.\n\nOnly five players have played more minutes this term with Carlo Ancelotti once again relying on him as a key starter.\n\nReal are next in action against [Getafe](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/team\/getafe-cf\/) in [La Liga](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/football\/la-liga\/) on Thursday.\n\n[![go-deeper](https:\/\/cdn.theathletic.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=128,height=128,fit=cover,format=auto\/app\/uploads\/2024\/01\/25122551\/GettyImages-1952640318-scaled-e1706203571242-1024x684.jpg) GO DEEPER Real Madrid - Europe's unlikely kings of defending set pieces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5227643\/2024\/01\/26\/real-madrid-set-pieces-carlo-ancelotti\/)\n\n*(Matthias Hangst\/Getty Images)*\n\n![](data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNiIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDI0IDI0IiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMjQgMS45NTU1OUwxMC41MjQ3IDIxTDAgMTMuMjczTDEuOTYwMzEgMTAuNTUyTDkuNzY2NDggMTYuMjgzMUwyMS4yODc5IDBMMjQgMS45NTU1OVoiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAwMDAiPjwvcGF0aD4KPC9zdmc+Cg==)\n\n![Connections: Sports Edition 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URL	https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5240340/2024/01/31/toni-kroos-germany-retirement/
Last Crawled	2026-03-10 05:32:09 (1 month ago)
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Meta Title	Toni Kroos considering Germany retirement U-turn ahead of Euro 2024 - The Athletic
Meta Description	Toni Kroos is considering coming out of international retirement and making himself available for Germany ahead of this summer’s European Championships. The Real Madrid midfielder, 34, called time on his international career following his country’s exit from Euro 2020 in 2021. However, with Germany hosting the tournament this summer, Kroos is considering a return. He holds a good relationship with Julian Nagelsmann, with whom he shares an agency, with the head coach calling the possibility an “interesting idea” in December, while team-mates, including Antonio Rudiger,...
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Boilerpipe Text	Toni Kroos is considering coming out of international retirement and making himself available for Germany ahead of this summer’s European Championships. The Real Madrid midfielder, 34, called time on his international career following his country’s exit from Euro 2020 in 2021. However, with Germany hosting the tournament this summer, Kroos is considering a return. He holds a good relationship with Julian Nagelsmann, with whom he shares an agency, with the head coach calling the possibility an “interesting idea” in December, while team-mates, including Antonio Rudiger , have been vocal about wanting him to come back. He has won 106 caps for Germany and was a key figure in the side that won the World Cup in 2014. Kroos was named man of the match in the semi-final against Brazil and started the final against Argentina , playing the full 120 minutes as Germany claimed a 1-0 win. He was also named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2016, as Germany lost 2-0 to France in the semi-finals. Kroos won the World Cup with Germany in 2014 Martin Rose/Getty Images He stepped away from the international game to spend more time with his family and to ensure a good end to his career with Madrid, which he has gone on to do. Kroos’ future in the Spanish capital remains to be decided with his contract set to expire in June. The club are open to an extension and while there has yet to be a formal offer both president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez have already told Kroos that he can renew if he so wishes. Kroos, who has always said in public and in private that he wants to retire at Real and that he does not want to extend his career too long, is yet to make a decision either way. He has enjoyed another impressive campaign making 29 appearances for Real so far this season, scoring one goal and adding seven assists. Only five players have played more minutes this term with Carlo Ancelotti once again relying on him as a key starter. Real are next in action against Getafe in La Liga on Thursday. GO DEEPER Real Madrid - Europe's unlikely kings of defending set pieces (Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) Mar 10, 2026 Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms
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[![International Football](https://cdn-league-logos.theathletic.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=48%2Cquality=70%2Cformat=auto/https://cdn-league-logos.theathletic.com/league-16-color@2x.png) ![International Football](https://cdn-league-logos.theathletic.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=48%2Cquality=70%2Cformat=auto/https://cdn-league-logos.theathletic.com/league-16-color@2x.png)International Football](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/international-football/) • • • [![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACw=)Teams](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/international-football/teams/) [![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACw=)Podcasts](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/podcasts/international-football/) [Log In](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/login2/?ref_page=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fathletic%2F5240340%2F2024%2F01%2F31%2Ftoni-kroos-germany-retirement%2F&login_source=site_nav&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fathletic%2F5240340%2F2024%2F01%2F31%2Ftoni-kroos-germany-retirement%2F) # Toni Kroos considering Germany retirement U-turn ahead of Euro 2024 ![](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/01/31071259/GettyImages-1323754353-scaled-e1706703200367-1024x682.jpg?width=1920&quality=70&auto=webp) [![](data:image/svg+xml,%3csvg%20xmlns=%27http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%27%20version=%271.1%27%20width=%2740%27%20height=%2740%27/%3e)![Mario Cortegana](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2023/01/04145235/Cortegana-Sanchez-Mario-Complete.jpg?width=96&quality=70&auto=webp) ![Mario Cortegana](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2023/01/04145235/Cortegana-Sanchez-Mario-Complete.jpg?width=96&quality=70&auto=webp)](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/mario-cortegana/) By [Mario Cortegana](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/mario-cortegana/) Jan. 31, 2024Updated Feb. 12, 2024 Share full article 29 [Toni Kroos](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/player/toni-kroos-VNHrYFlFiWQi2LXH/) is considering coming out of international retirement and making himself available for Germany ahead of this summer’s European Championships. The [Real Madrid](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/real-madrid/) midfielder, 34, [called time on his international career following his country’s exit from Euro 2020 in 2021.](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4207721/2021/07/02/toni-kroos-announces-his-retirement-from-germany-duty/) However, with [Germany](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/germany/) hosting the tournament this summer, Kroos is considering a return. Advertisement He holds a good relationship with Julian Nagelsmann, with whom he shares an agency, with the head coach calling the possibility an “interesting idea” in December, while team-mates, including [Antonio Rudiger](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/player/antonio-rudiger-tqko5XSWRbH8iz36/), have been vocal about wanting him to come back. He has won 106 caps for Germany and was a key figure in the side that won the World Cup in 2014. Kroos was named man of the match in the semi-final against [Brazil](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/brazil/) and started the final against [Argentina](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/argentina/), playing the full 120 minutes as Germany claimed a 1-0 win. He was also named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2016, as Germany lost 2-0 to [France](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/france/) in the semi-finals. ![](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/01/31063902/GettyImages-452114384-scaled-e1706701166368.jpg) Kroos won the World Cup with Germany in 2014Martin Rose/Getty Images He stepped away from the international game to spend more time with his family and to ensure a good end to his career with Madrid, which he has gone on to do. Kroos’ future in the Spanish capital remains to be decided with his contract set to expire in June. The club are open to an extension and while there has yet to be a formal offer both president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez have already told Kroos that he can renew if he so wishes. Kroos, who has always said in public and in private that he wants to retire at Real and that he does not want to extend his career too long, is yet to make a decision either way. He has enjoyed another impressive campaign making 29 appearances for Real so far this season, scoring one goal and adding seven assists. Only five players have played more minutes this term with Carlo Ancelotti once again relying on him as a key starter. Real are next in action against [Getafe](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/getafe-cf/) in [La Liga](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/la-liga/) on Thursday. [![go-deeper](https://cdn.theathletic.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=128,height=128,fit=cover,format=auto/app/uploads/2024/01/25122551/GettyImages-1952640318-scaled-e1706203571242-1024x684.jpg) GO DEEPER Real Madrid - Europe's unlikely kings of defending set pieces](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5227643/2024/01/26/real-madrid-set-pieces-carlo-ancelotti/) (Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) [![](data:image/svg+xml,%3csvg%20xmlns=%27http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%27%20version=%271.1%27%20width=%2740%27%20height=%2740%27/%3e)![Mario Cortegana](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2023/01/04145235/Cortegana-Sanchez-Mario-Complete.jpg?width=96&quality=70&auto=webp)](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/mario-cortegana/) By [Mario Cortegana](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/mario-cortegana/) Football Writer, Real Madrid Tagged To: [euro 2024](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/tag/euro-2024/) [European Championship](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/european-championship/) 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Mar 10, 2026 ## Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle ![](data:image/svg+xml,%3csvg%20xmlns=%27http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%27%20version=%271.1%27%20width=%27100%27%20height=%27100%27/%3e)![Mario Cortegana](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2023/01/04145235/Cortegana-Sanchez-Mario-Complete.jpg?width=256&quality=70&auto=webp) ![Mario Cortegana](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2023/01/04145235/Cortegana-Sanchez-Mario-Complete.jpg?width=256&quality=70&auto=webp) [Mario Cortegana](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/mario-cortegana/) Santos is a Football Writer for The Athletic covering Real Madrid. He has followed Los Blancos since 2019 at Diario AS, Goal.com and MARCA. He usually appears on Gol TV and is a main collaborator in the YouTube show The Four Amigos Podcast. He has covered the EURO 2020 and Qatar 2022. Follow Mario on Twitter [@MarioCortegana](https://twitter.com/MarioCortegana) COMMENTS 29 D David C. · Jan 31, 2024 One one hand, Kroos is now a natural "sitter" so you can see how Nagelsmann might be thinking 4-3-3 with Gundogan & Kimmich - with Goretzka off the bench. But assuming Sane is a shoo-in for one attacking berth, would Musiala be a wide attacker or a false 9 - or on the bench with Goretzka? Personally, if i was Nagelsmann, i'd wait and see if Kroos gets a start for Real in the CL knockouts - Kroos has many qualities but i don't think pace over the ground is one of them... not sure it helps Germany vs transitions even if it helps them keep the ball. But, if the idea is for Kroos to come on in the 2nd half and control games then i can see it working - having Kroos, Muller & Fullkrug on the bench will help chase the game, keep the ball and in any potential penalty shoot-out. One thing - Kroos is brilliant at free kicks... having a bunch of dancy-feet skill merchants being fouled outside the box could be a strategy if Kroos is on the pitch\! * S Santiago F. · Jan 31, 2024 Didn’t get to see the likes of some historic midfielders of the past, but if I had to choose among those I’ve seen (and Im biased cause Im a madridista) Kroos’ tempo mastery and his elegance with the ball + his leadership and set of values (at least those he shows to the public) put him among my 3-5 favorite midfielders. Will mourn the day he an Lukita leave * D David Robert T. · Jan 31, 2024 I have a feeling he will try to one-up Zidane. Try to win the Euros then retire while still being world class. You know, without the headbutt. Also actually winning the trophy. 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Readable Markdown	[Toni Kroos](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/player/toni-kroos-VNHrYFlFiWQi2LXH/) is considering coming out of international retirement and making himself available for Germany ahead of this summer’s European Championships. The [Real Madrid](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/real-madrid/) midfielder, 34, [called time on his international career following his country’s exit from Euro 2020 in 2021.](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4207721/2021/07/02/toni-kroos-announces-his-retirement-from-germany-duty/) However, with [Germany](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/germany/) hosting the tournament this summer, Kroos is considering a return. He holds a good relationship with Julian Nagelsmann, with whom he shares an agency, with the head coach calling the possibility an “interesting idea” in December, while team-mates, including [Antonio Rudiger](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/player/antonio-rudiger-tqko5XSWRbH8iz36/), have been vocal about wanting him to come back. He has won 106 caps for Germany and was a key figure in the side that won the World Cup in 2014. Kroos was named man of the match in the semi-final against [Brazil](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/brazil/) and started the final against [Argentina](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/argentina/), playing the full 120 minutes as Germany claimed a 1-0 win. He was also named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2016, as Germany lost 2-0 to [France](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/france/) in the semi-finals. ![](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/01/31063902/GettyImages-452114384-scaled-e1706701166368.jpg) Kroos won the World Cup with Germany in 2014Martin Rose/Getty Images He stepped away from the international game to spend more time with his family and to ensure a good end to his career with Madrid, which he has gone on to do. Kroos’ future in the Spanish capital remains to be decided with his contract set to expire in June. The club are open to an extension and while there has yet to be a formal offer both president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez have already told Kroos that he can renew if he so wishes. Kroos, who has always said in public and in private that he wants to retire at Real and that he does not want to extend his career too long, is yet to make a decision either way. He has enjoyed another impressive campaign making 29 appearances for Real so far this season, scoring one goal and adding seven assists. Only five players have played more minutes this term with Carlo Ancelotti once again relying on him as a key starter. Real are next in action against [Getafe](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/getafe-cf/) in [La Liga](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/la-liga/) on Thursday. [![go-deeper](https://cdn.theathletic.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=128,height=128,fit=cover,format=auto/app/uploads/2024/01/25122551/GettyImages-1952640318-scaled-e1706203571242-1024x684.jpg) GO DEEPER Real Madrid - Europe's unlikely kings of defending set pieces](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5227643/2024/01/26/real-madrid-set-pieces-carlo-ancelotti/) (Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNiIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDI0IDI0IiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMjQgMS45NTU1OUwxMC41MjQ3IDIxTDAgMTMuMjczTDEuOTYwMzEgMTAuNTUyTDkuNzY2NDggMTYuMjgzMUwyMS4yODc5IDBMMjQgMS45NTU1OVoiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAwMDAiPjwvcGF0aD4KPC9zdmc+Cg==) ![Connections: Sports Edition Logo](data:image/png;base64,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) ![Connections: Sports Edition Logo](data:image/png;base64,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) Mar 10, 2026 ## Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. 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