SETTING THE TON
Toni Kroos releases emotional farewell letter after final career match and apologises to Pedri after Euros injury
German opened up on his international retirement U-turn
TONI KROOS released an emotional farewell letter following his final career game - and squeezed in an apology to Spain's Pedri.
Kroos confirmed he would hang up his boots after Euro 2024 as his contract with Real Madrid expired.
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The midfielder initially walked away from international football in 2021 - missing the winter World Cup the following year.
But manager Julian Nagelsmann who convinced him back before this summer's Euros on home soil.
Unfortunately, it all ended in heartache after a Mikel Merino header late in extra-time sent Spain through to the semi-finals - and sent Kroos into retirement for good.
In a social media post, Kroos wrote: "On September 29, 2023 my phone rang. Caller: Julian Nagelsmann. Request: return to the national team.
"The first thought in my head: I'm not stupid! First thought in my heart: f*** yeah! As we know, the heart decided.
"My first thought this morning on July 6, 2024: I'm glad I did it. Despite all the sadness and emptiness since the final whistle yesterday.
"I have always seen more in the team than they have shown in recent years.
"But I didn't expect that it would be possible in such a short time to have a really realistic chance of winning the title and being on a level with the best again!
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Kroos' career honours
Bayern Munich
- Bundesliga: 2007–08, 2012–13, 2013–14
- DFB-Pokal: 2007–08, 2012–13, 2013–14
- DFL-Supercup: 2012
- Champions League: 2012–13
- UEFA Super Cup: 2013
- Fifa Club World Cup: 2013
Real Madrid
- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20,[70] 2021–22, 2023–24
- Copa del Rey: 2022–23
- Supercopa de Espana: 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024
- Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22, 2023–24
- UEFA Super Cup: 2014, 2017, 2022
- Fifa Club World Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022
Germany
- World Cup: 2014
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"That's why I'm very proud of what this team has achieved! And that can be the case for all of Germany 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!
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"On a personal level, I would like to thank you for the 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 favourite child (the national team): don't let them go!
"The path of this team continues. And it really helps if you stand by them even in bad phases!
"Because I can assure you of one thing: this is a group of great people who give everything to be successful! Germany is someone again!!!"
Kroos, 34, leaves the game after trophy-laden career across Europe.
In Germany with Bayern Munich, he was a three-time Bundesliga winner with a Champions League medal to his name.
At Real Madrid, he won four LaLiga titles with an astonishing five Champions League medals.
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At international level, he lifted the World Cup with Germany in 2014 but never again hit those same heights.
He hopes to guide Germany to Euros success on home soil but it was not to be.
Kroos accidentally injured Spain's Pedri in the quarter-final with the Barcelona star ruled out for the rest of the tournament with the knee injury.
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And Kroos said: "Get well soon to @pedri!
"Logically it wasn't my intention to hurt you. A speedy recovery and all the best. You are a great player."
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