'We can only hope' - Real Madrid star Toni Kroos lauds Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after bombshell exit announcement as he pitches dream return to Germany for revered manager

The Real Madrid star lauded Klopp's decision to quit Liverpool at the end of the ongoing season and claimed that all German football fans, including him, want to see the 56-year-old manage the national team in the future. Last Friday, the Reds boss revealed that he would be quitting the Merseyside club in the summer of 2024.

Speaking on the Einfach mal Luppen podcast (via Marca), Kroos said, "Congratulations to whoever can sign Klopp now. You didn't get the feeling that he seemed tired now. You didn't realise that. A lot of people suggested it to him last year when they were going through a difficult time. Maybe a lot of people expected him to leave then. But he made a master move and said: I'll fix it again and then I'll stop."

He added, "What can you say to 'Kloppo'? Although he has been working abroad for years, surveys would say that he is, by far, the most popular coach in Germany and I think the same can now be said in England. That means something. The recognition he got there is not even enough to describe what he did there. For all Liverpool and football fans, Jurgen Klopp is synonymous with a certain loyalty, especially dedication, love for the club and success. Now he is a legend in Germany, a legend in Liverpool and England.

"He deserves to make this decision alone, he is a very intelligent man who recognises the moments. If he believes that now is the time, then simply: chapeau. As German football fans, we can only hope that at some point we can convince him to play any role in Germany. This is what we have been looking forward to for many, many years."

The 34-year-old midfielder announced his retirement from international football in 2021 after Germany's early exit from Euro 2020. The Athletic now reports that he could make a U-turn and consider making a comeback into the national team as the country is all set to host the Euro 2024.

Kroos, who has appeared in 29 matches for Los Blancos across all competitions this season, will be next seen in action on Thursday as Carlo Ancelotti's side take on Getafe in a crucial La Liga fixture.