Euro 2024: Toni Kroos to ‘Retire’ After Spain vs Germany Quarterfinal Tie, Ex Real Madrid Star Prays

• Toni Kroos could potentially play his last professional game as a footballer against Spain on Friday, July 5
• The 34-year-old has already announced his intentions to call time on his glistening career after Euro 2024
• One of his former Real Madrid teammates, Joselu Mato, is planning to ruin Kroos' dream retirement plan

Outgoing Real Madrid striker Joselu Mato is looking to bring Toni Kroos' retirement forward as Spain prepares to face Germany in a highly anticipated Euro 2024 quarter-final showdown.

Joselu, who shared the dressing room with Kroos at Madrid last season, will meet his now-former teammate in what promises to be a blockbuster affair between two of the tournament's best teams.

Both Germany and Spain have excelled en route to the last eight, and the winner of their encounter on Friday, July 5, will be considered a strong contender for the title.

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La Roja enters the match as slight favourites after an impressive group stage performance. They were the only team to win all three of their group games.

Luis de la Fuente's men continued their excellent form in the Round of 16 by coming from behind to secure a 4-1 victory over debutants Georgia, Eurosport reports.

On the flip side, Germany has also been near perfect, starting their campaign with a commanding 5-1 win against Scotland and following it up with a 2-0 victory over Hungary.

Their only setback was a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their final group game. However, they bounced back with a win in their Round of 16 match against Denmark.

As Joselu prepares to join Qatari club Al-Gharafa at the end of Euro 2024, he hopes to see Kroos, a veteran of the German national team, retire after the competition concludes.

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Kroos to retire after Spain quarter-final match?

If Spain triumphs and knocks Germany out of the tournament, this match could potentially mark the end of Kroos' illustrious career.

And Joselu is hoping his Spanish side will be the team that ends the illustrious career of the German midfield maestro.

"Let's hope it's his last game. It's a game that's not special just because he was here. It's a quarter-final against a great team. Let's hope we can retire Toni [Kroos] on Friday," he said, as quoted by Tribuna.

"He's been a friend. I've spoken to him a lot, and he's given me a lot of advice. He's fundamental for Germany and he's been fundamental for Real Madrid. We have to be careful with him on Friday."

Kroos sends warning to rival countries

Sports Brief reported that Toni Kroos had issued a 'warning' to rival nations following Germany's success in topping Group A.

As a crucial player for the hosts, Kroos conveyed his determination to achieve success in his final tournament with the national team.