Lothar Matthäus implores Toni Kroos not to retire from the German National Team

The disappointment from Germany’s early exit from the World Cup is going to take quite some time to get over, especially given how much the squad collectively performed. There were a handful of players in the squad that were also a part of Die Mannschaft’s World Cup triumph in 2014 who didn’t quite live up to expectations this time around. Despite having a fantastic campaign with Real Madrid this past season, Toni Kroos was arguably one of those veteran players in the squad who under-performed in Germany’s three matches in Russia; aside from his sensational, match winning free kick vs. Sweden.

Since the early exit, there’s been increased speculation that some of Germany’s older, more-capped players might be considering retirement from international football; Kroos among them. Per an interview with Bild (via Goal.com), ex-Germany and Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthäus implored Kroos not to retire, saying that the 28-year old midfielder still has a few seasons left at the top level:

Toni Kroos leaving the German national team would hurt me very much. He played an extraordinary season for Real Madrid. He can still play on the top level for four more years and improve those around him. Him stepping down would be a real loss. For me, he’s one of our future leaders.

After it was announced that Joachim Low will remain Die Mannschaft’s coach through 2022, Matthäus said that Low should be more selective of the veteran players he picks in the squads for the World Cup [2022] qualifiers, and the tournament itself:

Coach Low must have a clear idea regarding the WC 2022. He should talk to every older player in the squad about motivation and perspectives. He doesn’t need to attack those players, it’s just an ordinary process because we’re Germany, not Panama. There are alternatives for each position.