Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has written a goodbye letter to the football family, after playing the last game of his career.
Kroos and Germany were sent packing from Euro 2024 after Spain eliminated Germany in the quarter-final clash, late in extra time.
Toni Kroos finished his career with 718 appearances at club level and 114 games with the national team, and has said he’s proud of they achieved with the German national team.
He wrote: “On September 29, 2023, my phone rang. Caller: Julian Nagelsmann. Request: return to the national team. The first thought in my head: I’m not stupid! First thought in my heart: S**t, yes! As we all know, the heart decides.
“My first thought this morning on July 6, 2024: I’m glad I did it. Despite all the sadness and emptiness since the final whistle yesterday. I’ve always seen more in the team than they’ve shown in recent years. But I didn’t expect that it would be possible to have a really realistic chance of winning the trophy within such a short period of time and be on par with the best again! That’s why I’m very proud of what this team has achieved! And all of Germany can be proud again too.
“A special thank you to all of you out there who made this home European Championship a special one. We saw you, experienced you and felt you! On a personal level, I would like to thank you for a really special warmth and affection over the last few weeks. That was very special. And finally, a request: Now that Germany has won back its favorite child: don’t let it go! This team’s journey continues. And it helps a lot if you stand by them even in the bad times! Because I can assure you of one thing: this is a group of great people who give everything to be successful!
“Germany is somebody again!!! 🖤❤️💛
“I would also like to say something very important: forgiveness and get well soon to Pedri! It was obviously not my intention to hurt you. A speedy recovery and all the best. You are a great player.”
Kroos injured Pedri in the early minutes of Spain vs Germany game, which led to the Barcelona player taken off.
