German football legend Toni Kroos bid farewell to the sport on Sunday following his team's defeat to Spain in the quarterfinals of the European Championship. The dramatic loss marked the end of Kroos' illustrious playing career, which spanned 17 years.
In an emotional Instagram post, Kroos expressed his gratitude to fans, clubs, coaches, teammates, friends, and family for their support throughout his career. The 2014 World Cup winner amassed an impressive collection of titles, including six Champions League trophies, four Spanish league titles, three Bundesliga championships, three German Cups, and one Copa del Rey.
Kroos had previously announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of Euro 2024, making his 114th appearance for Germany his final match. The midfielder concluded his post with a heartfelt tribute to the sport, calling football 'the beautiful game' and expressing his gratitude for the experiences it had afforded him.
Spain's Pedri Forgives Kroos for Euro 2024 Injury
Meanwhile, Spain midfielder Pedri extended forgiveness to Toni Kroos for the challenge that resulted in his injury during the Euro 2024 quarterfinal clash between Spain and Germany. Despite being ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury sustained in the match, Pedri acknowledged Kroos' apology and praised the veteran midfielder for his career achievements.
Reflecting on the incident, Pedri emphasized the unpredictable nature of football and expressed appreciation for Kroos' message of regret. The 21-year-old midfielder acknowledged that such challenges are part of the game and commended Kroos for his contributions to the sport.
