Report: Kraft told Gronk that Patriots wanted him to return for playoffs

The New England Patriots reportedly made it clear they'd welcome Rob Gronkowski back with open arms.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft approached the star tight end when he was cleaning out his locker following his retirement in March and told him that he wants him to return for November, December, and the playoffs, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Gronkowski has repeatedly said he intends to stay retired, though he's occasionally left the door ajar for him to change his mind.

The 30-year-old was hired as an analyst for FOX Sports in October.

Two days after Gronkowski took the job, Kraft said the Pro Bowl pass-catcher hadn't filed his retirement papers. While this is considered a formality, according to Rapoport, the Patriots owner said it meant the team "can always pray and hope" Gronkowski will return.

However, Gronkowski emphasized that he had no current plans to play again following Kraft's remarks.

"I would have to be feeling it. ... I'm enjoying myself right now. I don't have that itch, and if I had that itch, I'd go back. ... It would have to be a continuous itch," he said.

The future Hall of Famer needs to return by Nov. 30 in order to be eligible to come off the reserve/retired list this season.

Gronkowski has shown no signs of coming back to play, a person who recently talked to him told Rapoport.

While New England's offense has remained among the NFL's best without Gronkowski, the reigning champions have struggled to get production out of the tight end position.

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