“Would like to get out for a while”
Toni Kroos surprises with announcement
Updated on December 18, 2024 – 1:51 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Even after his career, the interest in Toni Kroos is still great – too great? At least it will be a bit much for the world champion.
Former national player Toni Kroos is withdrawing from the public for the time being. In the latest episode of his podcast “Einfach mal Luppen”, which he currently runs together with his brother Felix, the 2014 world champion explained that he will be taking a break from the new year.
“I don’t necessarily want to see myself featured in newspapers or quoted in the next few months. It’s just been that way forever,” said the 34-year-old. Kroos ended his career in the summer; his renewed triumph in the Champions League and his return to the national team for the home European Championship in 2024 made him one of the defining figures in German football.
From January 15th, his brother Felix will initially continue to run the podcast alone. For Kroos, who has seen himself as a “permanent presence” in public since February, the break is a conscious decision. “I’ve decided that I’m just going to do nothing for the first three months of next year,” said Kroos.
Although he says he is happy about the great interest in him, the Real star emphasizes that he never actively sought attention. “It’s present and widely received, which is fine. But I just want to get out there for a while.”
Kroos’ withdrawal also affects other public engagements. Most recently, he was present at the final of the “Icon League,” co-founded by him and influencer Elias Nerlich. The small-field football league, in which stars such as Antonio Rüdiger and Alphonso Davies are team owners, will start its second season in March. It remains to be seen whether Kroos will be there again.