Toni Kroos says that he is “glad” he returned to international duty with Germany before retiring from professional football.
Toni Kroos said that he is “glad” he returned to international duty with Germany before hanging up his boots.
Despite still being regarded as one of the best central midfielders in world football, Kroos is retiring from professional football, with his final match for Real Madrid proving to be the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund last month.
The midfielder announced his retirement from international football after Euro 2020, but he returned to the national side in March 2024 and was a vital player for the national team at Euro 2024.
The 34-year-old’s final match in professional football proved to be Friday’s quarter-final against Spain, which Germany lost 2-1 to exit the competition.
Kroos has now taken to social media to pen an emotional statement, with the midfielder bringing the curtain down on what has been an incredible professional career.
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Kroos “very proud” of Germany
“I’m glad I came back (to Germany). Despite all the grief and emptiness since the final whistle yesterday, I’ve always seen more in the team than they have shown in recent years,” Kroos wrote on Instagram.
“But I didn’t expect that it is possible to have a really realistic chance of winning the title in such a short time and to be on an equal footing with the best again! That’s why I’m very proud of what this team has achieved! And the whole of Germany can be that again.
“A special thank you to you out there who made this home European Championship a special one. We have seen, experienced 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 dearest child: don’t let it go! The path of this team continues.
“And it helps a lot if you stand by the team even in bad times! Because I can assure you of one thing: this is a group of great people who give everything to be successful!”
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Kroos apologies to Pedri for tournament-ending tackle
Kroos also apologised to Barcelona midfielder Pedri for the challenge which caused the Spain international to suffer a knee injury during Friday’s quarter-final.
Pedri’s issue has ruled him out of the rest of the European Championship, and he is expected to be on the sidelines for at least the next six weeks.
“Apologies and get well soon, Pedri! Logically it wasn’t my intention to hurt you. A speedy recovery and all the best. You are a great player,” he added.
Kroos’ Germany career has ended with a record of 17 goals in 114 appearances, and he lifted the 2014 World Cup with DFB-Team.
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti had been hopeful of talking Kroos out of his retirement after the Champions League final, but the Italian was unsuccessful.