Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has firmly denied that he could return to Bayern Munich on a free transfer at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
The 34-year-old has again been a vital player for Los Blancos this season, making 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing seven assists in the process.
Kroos's contract at Bernabeu is due to expire at the end of June, though, and the midfielder is yet to make a decision on his future plans.
There have been claims that Bayern are interested in bringing him back to Allianz Arena, with the German previously turning out for the Munich outfit's first team between 2007 and 2014, winning three Bundesliga titles, three German Cups and the Champions League.
Kroos has ruled out a return to Bayern, with the midfielder insisting that he will take his time when it comes to his decision.
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The five-time Champions League winner also revealed that he is considering returning to international duty for this summer's European Championship, with the tournament taking place in Germany.
"I expected a lot of questions about my future today, but not this one. I'm always very honoured when someone wants me on their team, regardless of whether that's even true. But in this case I can clearly say that's not going to happen," Kroos told reporters.
"I want to end my career at the highest level possible. I'm enjoying the moment. I deserve a bit more time to take the decision, I want it to be the correct one.
"And the same for the national team. I'm thinking about it, but like with my renewal, I don't know."
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Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently said that it would be down to Kroos to decide whether he wants to sign an extension, suggesting that there is an offer on the table.
Meanwhile, his mother Birgit Kammer has claimed that the midfielder's 'happiness' would decide whether he continues at Bernabeu.
"His renewal? That would make his coach, his teammates and I think Leon (his son) and many others happy too," she told the Einfach mal Luppen podcast.
"But in the end, he has to be happy, so he decides. He will decide what he wants and we will accept it, that's all."
Kroos has won three La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey and four Champions League trophies during his time at Real Madrid, and he remains a key figure under Ancelotti, playing the full 90 minutes of Tuesday's 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash.
Matt Law
