Germany legend Toni Kroos pens emotional message to fans after losing to Spain in the final game of his glittering career – with the former Real Madrid star also apologising to injured Pedri

Toni Kroos has penned an emotional letter to fans after his remarkable career ended on Friday night with Germany’s 2-1 defeat to Spain after extra time.

The 34-year-old former Real Madrid star won the UEFA Champions League for the sixth time in his final club appearance early last month.

He had hoped to end his international career in similar glory but Germany were knocked out in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Friday.

Kroos is determined to retire for good this time around. However, he has already retired from international football once, in 2021, before reversing his decision ahead of this summer’s Euros at the request of coach Julian Nagelsmann.

He began his farewell letter to fans – posted on his Instagram account – by recalling that conversation with Nagelsmann.

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! The first thought in my heart: f*** yeah! As we know, it’s the heart that decides.”

“My first thought this morning of July 6, 2024: I’m glad I did it. Despite all the sadness and emptiness since yesterday’s final whistle. I’ve always seen more in the team than it has 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 at the level of the best again! That’s why I’m very proud of what this team has achieved! And that can be the case again for all of Germany.

“I would like to thank in particular all those who made this European Championship at home a special moment. We saw you, experienced you and felt you! On a personal level, I would like to thank you for the truly special warmth and affection you have shown over the last few weeks. It was very special.

“And finally, a request: Now that Germany has won back its favorite child (the national team): don’t let it go! The path of this team continues. And it really helps if you support them even in bad times! Because I can assure you of one thing: this is a great group of people who give their all to succeed! Germany is somebody again!!!”

Kroos – who won 33 team trophies during his career with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Germany, including the 2014 World Cup – ended his message by apologising to Pedri and asking for forgiveness after accidentally injuring the 21-year-old midfielder during the first 10 minutes of Friday’s game.

Pedri appeared very upset as he left the pitch after a late tackle from Kroos appeared to result in the Barcelona starlet injuring his right knee.

However, Pedri’s mood appeared to have improved greatly as he joined his team-mates in celebration after the match.

After apologising, Kroos added: “It was not my intention to hurt you. Get well soon and good luck. You are a great player.”