Kroos retires from national team after 106 games for Germany

In this June 29, 2021 file photo Germany’s Toni Kroos applauds the fans at the end of the Euro 2020 soccer championship round of 16 match between England and Germany at Wembley stadium in London, Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has announced his international retirement after 106 appearances for the country.

A fan holds a poster for Germany’s Toni Kroos on the stands before the Euro 2020 soccer championship round of 16 match between England and Germany at Wembley stadium in London, Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

Germany’s Toni Kroos leaves the pitch at half time during the Euro 2020 soccer match round of 16 between England and Germany at Wembley stadium in London, Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

Germany’s Toni Kroos challenges England’s Raheem Sterling, right, during the Euro 2020 soccer championship round of 16 match between England and Germany, at Wembley stadium in London, Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

Germany’s Toni Kroos, left, and England’s Declan Rice challenge for the ball during the Euro 2020 soccer championship round of 16 match between England and Germany, at Wembley stadium, in London, Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, left, cheers Germany’s Toni Kroos end of the Euro 2020 soccer championship group F match between Portugal and Germany at the football arena stadium in Munich, Saturday, June 19, 2021.

Germany’s manager Joachim Loew, right, embraces Germany’s Toni Kroos after the Euro 2020 soccer championship group F match between Germany and Hungary in Munich, Wednesday, June 23, 2021.

By CIARÁN FAHEY AP Sports Writer

MUNICH (AP) — Germany midfielder Toni Kroos announced his retirement from the national team on Friday after 106 appearances for his country.

The 31-year-old Kroos said “the decision is made, it’s irreversible” in a podcast that he hosts with his younger brother Felix.

Kroos’ last game was Germany’s 2-0 defeat to England in the European Championship’s round of 16 on Tuesday. The Real Madrid midfielder recovered from the coronavirus in time to take part in the tournament.

Kroos did not say if he had spoken with incoming Germany coach Hansi Flick about staying on.

“It’s a decision for the family and for me, because it’s also good for me to be more with the family. I want to be there and needed as a husband and papa,” Kroos said.

Kroos made his Germany debut in March 2010 in a friendly against Argentina. He was a Bayern Munich player on loan at Bayer Leverkusen at the time. He played every minute at the 2014 World Cup when Germany won the title and had remained an important part of the team since.

Kroos’ absence will allow Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich to take his preferred place in midfield for Germany. Kroos had partnered İlkay Gündoğan in midfield with Kimmich moved to the right for Euro 2020. Germany also has the more offensively minded Leon Goretzka and Florian Neuhaus who can play in the position.