Julian Nagelsmann reveals how he convinced Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos to come out of retirement for Germany

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann revealed that it took some serious persuading to bring back Toni Kroos from retirement for Euro 2024. The former Real Madrid man bid farewell to his international career following a 0-2 loss to England in the Round of 16 of Euro 2020.

Kroos played an instrumental role in helping the Germans lift their fourth World Cup title in 2014. However, they have failed to make an impression in international tournaments since.

Their dominance in world football has been tarnished following a list of failures since 2014. The Euro 2024 hosts exited the last two World Cups in group stages, their worst finish in the last 80 years. Furthermore, they were eliminated from the last European Championship in the Round of 16.

Naturally, the hosts will have a lot of pressure going into the tournament and will need their star players to step up. One such player is Toni Kroos. Despite announcing his retirement, the Germany coach reverently revealed the conversation he had with the former Bayern Munich star.

Nagelsmann stated that it took some time to convince the 34-year-old. Here's what he told Sky Sports:

"It took a period of time to convince him because he wanted to know what we'll change in the future. He said he'll only be part of the team when he feels we can win, so he wanted to know how we'll change the team. Then he said he'll be part of it and 'let's rock."

Germany play the opener of Euro 2024 against Scotland on June 14 and Nagelsmann shed light on the mood in the dressing room ahead of the first game.

He said (via beIN Sports):

"Pressure is a privilege. We’re going to share our moment with the entire sports world over the next few weeks. We enjoy what we do on the field. There are thousands of players who want to feel this pressure because it’s a privilege. We try to enjoy it and be the best team. We can handle the pressure and beat Scotland."

Nagelsmann, on the flip side, asserted that he was confident of his side beating Scotland.

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Ilkay Gündogan labels Toni Kroos an integral part of the German squad

The Barcelona midfielder has described the five-time UEFA Champions League winner as one of the finest midfielders who makes the difficult look easy.

Gundogan, who is also the captain of the national team, said that the former Bayern Munich midfielder's "simple-looking" passes can be really decisive.

Here's what he said:

"I know how important and how decisive these simple-looking passes can be," said the Barcelona midfielder. You have to be a ridiculously good footballer to achieve the things he has achieved, so that's why he's so important for us."

Toni Kroos will retire from professional football following the culmination of Euro 2024.