Germany star Toni Kroos officially said goodbye to football on Sunday, two days after his team's dramatic defeat to Spain in the quarter-finals of the European Championship.
Mikel Merino's winner in the final minute of extra time gave Spain a 2-1 victory that eliminated the host country and ended Kroos' playing career.
“So that's it,” Kroos wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday. “But before I take a break and at least try to realize what happened in the last 17 years, I don't want to miss the opportunity to say thank you to everyone for accepting me as I am and who I am.”
The 2014 World Cup winner thanked his fans, clubs, coaches and teammates, as well as his friends and family, adding that there is “nothing better”. [than] “seeing your children proud of dad.”
Kroos won numerous titles, especially with Real Madrid, but also with Bayern Munich: six Champions Leagues, four Spanish leagues, three Bundesligas, three German Cups and one Copa del Rey.
The 34-year-old announced in May that he would retire at the end of Euro 2024.
This meant that his 114th cap for Germany turned out to be his last.
Kroos concluded his message with these words: “Last but not least: Thank you football! For your beautiful game! And… you're welcome! Substitution and out.”
Meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Pedri has forgiven Toni Kroos for ending his Euros.
Pedri was ruled out of the rest of Euro 2024 on Saturday due to a left knee injury sustained in a heavy challenge from Kroos in the early stages of Spain's quarter-final win over Germany the previous day.
Kroos publicly apologised to the youngster at the end of an Instagram post and Pedri thanked the 34-year-old.
“Thank you Toni Kroos for your message,” wrote Pedri, 21, in a post on social media.
“This is football and these things happen. Your career and your record will last forever.”
