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Toni Contemplated Retirement

Luca Toni has revealed that he contemplated retirement after Italy’s poor showing at Euro 2008.

The Bayern Munich striker bore the brunt of much of the Italian criticism after drawing four blanks at the tournament, and being guilty of missing a plethora of chances en-route to the quarter final exit at the hands of Spain.

Coming into the championships, Toni had enjoyed an outstanding debut Bundesliga campaign with Bayern, for whom he scored 39 goals in all competitions.

However, the ex-Fiorentina striker was a shadow of his lethal self in Austria and Switzerland, and suffered at the heart of the Italian attack.

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni paid for his side’s poor showing with his job, and Toni admits to considering his own international future.

He told Bild am Sonntag: "After the exit I considered whether I ought to retire.

"But it is my country, it is my team. I cannot and do not want to give that up. If Lippi wants me, I am available for the defence of the title in 2010."

Goal.com - Bayern Munich - Toni Contemplated Retirement