Spain striker Joselu “hoping to retire” Real Madrid teammate Toni Kroos in Euro 2024

Spain take on Germany in a mouthwatering Euro 2024 quarterfinal, with Friday’s game in Stuttgart potentially ex-Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos’ last ever match as a professional.

When will Toni Kroos retire?

In May, Kroos announced he would be retiring from the sport following the conclusion of the European Championship in his homeland. With the tournament having now reached the knockout rounds, every match could be his farewell.

Spain have arguably been the most impressive team at Euro 2024 so far, so Germany will almost certainly have to be on their Game if they are to prolong their hopes of winning the trophy and extend Kroos’ career for another few days.

Joselu’s savage Kroos retirement comment

One man who will be looking to stop them, however, is Joselu, who has also now left Real Madrid following the expiration of his loan deal from Espanyol. The attacker will play in the Qatar Stars League for Al Gharafa next season, but not before he looks to bring his former Madrid teammate’s playing days to an abrupt halt.

“Germany are a great team, and also the favourites to win the title. We’re hoping to retire Toni on Friday. I love Toni but I think Friday is his last game,” Joselu said somewhat cold-heartedly in a pre-match press conference.

He quickly softened his stance, however, and was full of praise for his fellow 34-year-old, with whom he won LaLiga and the Champions League in 2023/24.

“He’s been a good friend and, at Madrid, we spoke a lot and he gave me a lot of advice. He is crucial for Germany as he has been for Madrid. We know the quality he has. He is a key player for Germany but we can’t focus only on him. They are a very dangerous team, above all in attack.”

Kroos’ response to Joselu

Kroos also faced the media later on Wednesday and wasted little time in responding to his teaMMAte turned opponent.

“He says that because he wants to win. I understand that he wants Spain to reach the semifinal, but I think Germany have a lot of things to stop Spain from getting through.

“It’s going to be an exciting game. It certainly won’t be boring. It’s funny what Joselu said.”

When is the Euro 2024 quarterfinal between Spain and Germany?

The Euro 2024 quarterfinal between Spain and Germany will be played on Friday July 5, with kickoff at MHP Arena in Stuttgart at 12pm ET. You can follow live text coverage of the Game on AS USA, with build-up beginning around 90 minutes before the action gets underway.