2014 World Cup winner went on to thank his fans, clubs, coaches and teammates, as well as his friends and family, adding that there is 'nothing better (than) to see your kids being proud of daddy'
Over and out. Germany great Toni Kroos officially bid farewell to football on Sunday, two days after his team's dramatic loss to Spain in the quarterfinals of the European Championship.
Substitute Mikel Merino's game-winning goal in the last minute of extra time handed Spain a 2-1 victory, knocked out the host nation and ended Kroos' playing career.
“So, that's it,” Kroos wrote in a post on Instagram on Sunday. “But, before I take a break and at least try to realise what happened over the last 17 years I don't want to miss the opportunity to say thank you to everyone accepting me how and who I am.”
The 2014 World Cup winner went on to thank his fans, clubs, coaches and teammates, as well as his friends and family, adding that there is “nothing better (than) to see your kids being proud of daddy.”
Kroos won a host of titles, mostly with Real Madrid, but also with Bayern Munich — six Champions Leagues, four Spanish leagues, three Bundesligas, three German Cups and one Copa del Rey.
The 34-year-old Kroos announced in May that he would retire at the end of Euro 2024. That meant that his 114th match for Germany turned out to be his last.
Kroos ended his post with the words: “Last, but not least: Thank you Football! You beautiful game. And… you're welcome! Over and out.”
Uraguay's Federico Valverde also paid tribute to former Madrid teammate Kroos.
The midfielder, now busy with the national team preparing for Wednesday's Copa America semi-final against Colombia, has always seen Kroos as his role model.
“As a football lover and a fan of him ( Kroos), his last game hurt me”
Spain midfielder Pedri has forgiven Kroos for ending his Euro.
Pedri was ruled out of the rest of Euro 2024 on Saturday with a left knee injury that he sustained in a hefty challenge from Kroos in the opening stages of Friday's match.
Kroos publicly apologised to the youngster at the end of an Instagram post and Pedri thanked the 34-year-old, who was playing what turned out to be his final match.
“Thank you Toni Kroos for your message,” the 21-year-old Pedri wrote in a post on social media. “This is football and these things happen. Your career and your record remain forever.”
Pedri had to come off in the eighth minute. He will stay with the Spain squad for the rest of the tournament: Tuesday's semi-final against France and the final five days later — against either England or the Netherlands — should Spain get there.
“I came to Germany for Euro 2024 and I will continue here, until the end. Because, do not doubt it, the dream continues,” Pedri wrote.
“This week it's time to encourage and contribute in another way to this great family that is Spain. Their support and that of all of you is incredible. The hardest moment has passed and the road back has already started, to soon be at full strength with Barcelona.”