Germany international Toni Kroos has said that he could take an early retirement from the game at the age of 33. The midfielder has been with Los Blancos for the past five seasons and during this period, he has won three Champions League crowns while lifting the Spanish La Liga title on one occasion.

Speaking to Bild, Kroos indicated that he has never been in contact with Manchester City and there is no truth to the speculation linking him with the Citizens. He added that he could hang up his boots when his current contract expires in 2023, he quipped: “It has been written several times in the past. But I was never really offered the chance to go to Manchester City. Never. I can deny these rumours. My contract duration was chosen consciously. Thirty-three would be a good age to hang up the boots. I will have the opportunity at that moment to choose if I want to do something else.”

Kroos’ future had come under consideration following an average 2018/19 season where Los Blancos went trophyless. However, Los Blancos rubbished any speculation over the midfielder’s position with the club by rewarding him with a fresh four-year deal shortly after the campaign came to a close.

Los Blancos have been ultra-active during the early stages of the summer and they have already pursued five players including Eden Hazard for a combined £270m fee. Still, the transfer window has not officially opened for the Spanish La Liga and there could yet be more deals agreed with manager Zinedine Zidane keen on taking the club on the right track after a forgettable season.

Of late, Manchester United’s Paul Pogba has emerged as a potential midfield target but the Frenchman won’t come on the cheap with the Red Devils set to demand more than £130m for the midfielder’s services.