by The legendary player for Germany, Toni Kroos, officially said goodbye to soccer on Sunday, two days following his team’s heartbreaking quarterfinal loss to Spain in the European Championship.
The game-winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino in the final minute of extra time gave Spain a 2-1 victory, eliminated the host country, and put an end to Kroos’ career.
“So that’s it,” Kroos captioned a Sunday Instagram post. “I don’t want to pass up the chance to express my gratitude to everyone for accepting me for who I am and how I am, though, before I take a break and at least attempt to comprehend what has transpired over the last 17 years.”
The 2014 World Cup winner continued by expressing gratitude to his friends, family, clubs, coaches, and teammates. “Nothing feels better than witnessing your children beam with pride at their father,” he continued.
In addition, he apologized to young Pedri of Spain for forcing him to miss the rest of Euro 2024 after a rough challenge during the quarterfinal round. Pedri could not finish the event since he hurt his knee during the contact.
Pedri wrote on social media to thank Kroos for the apology, expressing his sincere gratitude: “Thank you Toni Kroos for your letter. This is soccer, and incidents like this do occur. Your record and career are unchangeable.”
After Pedri’s replacement, Dani Olmo, scored the first goal and set up Merino’s game-winning goal in the final minute of extra time, Pedri was forced to leave the game in the eighth minute on Friday.
Pedri will play all of the competition’s matches with the Spanish squad, which include Tuesday’s semifinal against France and, if Spain advances, the title game five days later against either England or the Netherlands.
Pedri, who arrived in Germany for Euro 2024, plans to continue his stay until the end. He urges supporters to support Spain and extend generosity to the family, as the most difficult part is over and the journey back to Barcelona begins.
Kroos won multiple titles, including six Champions Leagues, four Spanish leagues, three Bundesligas, three German Cups, and one Copa del Rey, mostly with Real Madrid but also with Bayern Munich.
At the end of Euro 2024, the 34-year-old Kroos revealed in May that he would be retiring.
This meant that the 114th game he played for Germany ended up being his final one.
As a final note, Kroos said on his post, “Thank you, Football! You have a lovely game. You’re welcome as well! Out of here and away.”
POSTED BY SOCCERFORYOU.
