'I'm in the mood' - Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos confirms he will make shock return to Germany squad ahead of Euro 2024

Kroos will return to international action with Germany next month ahead of Euro 2024. The Real Madrid midfielder stepped away from international duty after Euro 2020 and said his time with the national side was over. However, the 34-year-old has now announced he will play for Germany again and is looking forward to his summer's European Championship.

He wrote on Instagram: "People, short and painless: I will play for Germany again in March. Why? Because I was asked by the federal coach, I'm in the mood and I'm sure that with the team at the European Championship, much more is possible than most believe right now!"

He added: "Julian contacted me and asked me if I could imagine it, which wasn’t in my mind until then. We agreed I would take the idea with me and see what happens. I've thought about the idea: What if so? What if not? With every conversation, without going into too much detail, I became more and more convinced. 

"That’s why I wanted to decide in good time so as not to keep anyone waiting. I'm very, very happy with my decision. It took me a while to be certain Of course I want to help. But I'm definitely not the savior either. I'm just a cog that meshes with the others to hopefully make it work. I know the boys, I know the players, all of them have great qualities. 

"Now it’s time to show that as a team I still feel good and physically ready to do it without any problems. The fact that I'm needed for the tournament in my country is an incentive."

The news will surely be a boost to Julian Nagelsmann and his side ahead of what should be a big summer of international football. Germany have struggled in recent tournaments, failing to get out of the group stage again at World Cup 2022. However, much will expected of Germany at Euro 2024 as tournament hosts.

Kroos could now feature in Germany's upcoming friendlies. Nagelsmann's side take on France on March 23 and then play the Netherlands three days later.