Last night's Euro 2024 quarter-final match proved to be the last game in Toni Kroos' illustrious career.
Having ended his career with the Real Madrid club after the Champions League triumph, Kroos had hoped to finish his career with the representative with another trophy, but it was not said.
After an emotionally charged night in Stuttgart on Friday, Kroos took to social media to say goodbye to fans after playing the final game of his professional football career.
The 34-year-old writes about how his return to the German national team came about after he retired in 2021 and how he thinks it was the right decision to come back and play for "Die Mannschaft" again.
" My phone rang on 29/09/2023. Caller: Julian Nagelsmann. Request: Return to the national team. The first thought in my head: I'm not stupid! The first thought in my heart: F*** yes! As we all know, it is the heart that decides. My first thought this morning on July 6, 2024: I'm glad I did it. With all the sadness and emptiness since the final whistle yesterday , "Kroos writes.
He then went on to praise the German side, who have underperformed in recent major tournaments but showed up at this European one.
"I have always seen more in the team, more than they have shown in the game in recent years. But I didn't expect that it would be possible in such a short space of time to have a real chance to win the title and be on par with the best again!”
"That's why I'm so proud of what this team has achieved! And all Germany can be again. A special thanks to all of you (the fans) for making this European home championship a special one. We saw you, we experienced you and we felt you!"
“ On a personal level, I would like to thank you for your truly special warmth and love over the last few weeks. This was very special. And finally, a request: Now that Germany has regained its favorite child: don't let him go! The journey of this team continues ".
" And it helps you brutally if you stay by his side even in bad phases! Because I can assure you of one thing: this is a group of great people who are giving everything to be successful! Germany is what we are again! "
In conclusion, Kroos also apologized to the Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Pedri, who was unfortunately injured after a collision with him.
" In this way it is very important for me: I'm sorry and get well soon @pedri! Logically, it was not my intention to hurt you. Speedy recovery and all the best. You are a great player ", writes Kroos in his farewell message.
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