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Kroos has been linked with a switch to Real Madrid. EMPICS Sport
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Kroos to make Madrid decision post-World Cup as French pressure builds

The German playmaker is choosing to concentrate on the World Cup quarter-final, rather than transfer talk.

Mikey Stafford reports from Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro.

TONI KROOS SAID he would make no decision on his future until after the World Cup, amid reports in Spain linking him with a €25 million move to Real Madrid.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s quarter-final with France at the Maracana, the Germany midfielder did little to dispel the rumours that he will leave Bayern Munich this summer.

“No decision will be made until after the World Cup,” said the 24-year-old when asked about the reports in today’s Marca linking him with the Bernabeu. “I don’t want to be distracted. As soon as this tournament is over, a decision and an announcement will be made.

“I cannot say a decision has been made, nothing has been decided and there will be no decision until after the World Cup.”

The German playmaker has been in a long-running contract dispute with the German champions and started to laugh at the press conference when he was asked about the reports.

Why are you taking so many pictures suddenly? I can’t help you either,” he said, referring to Joachim Löw’s answer to the same question.

“What has been announced with Real Madrid and an apparently signed contract, no, that’s not right,” said the Germany coach. “He has had no personal contact with Real Madrid. He is concentrating on the World Cup. If there is a decision to be made it will be after the World Cup.”

Brazil Soccer WCup Germany France Kroos speaks to the media at the Maracana. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Löw confirmed that one-third of his squad were struck down with flu-like symptoms since the 2-1 extra-time win over Algeria in the last 16 but he said that all players — including Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger, who had been carrying knocks — were able to train yesterday and today.

Germany and France have only met three times in competitive matches and, having reached the semi-finals at the last two World Cups, Kroos knows he and his team-mates are expected to advance tomorrow at the expense of an improving French side.

Pressure is nothing new for us and the pressure is there because we are good players and we have a top team, capable of doing many things.

“Expectations are running high among the players and in the whole country.

“They want the title, everything else will be defeat.”

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