Toni Kroos is very sorry for his momentous kick
Toni Kroos' last game as a professional footballer took an unexpected turn, yet the German midfield star found reconciliatory words the day after Germany's EURO elimination. He also apologized to Spain's young star Pedri, who was ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a foul from Kroos.
Football retiree Toni Kroos bid farewell to fans the day after Germany's bitter elimination at home EURO and at the same time apologized to Pedri. "Important for me to say this: Apologies and get well soon to Pedri!", Kroos wrote on Instagram: "It was obviously not my intention to injure you. A quick recovery and all the best. You're a great player."
Pedri was substituted in the 8th minute due to a harsh foul from Kroos in the 1:2 n.V. in Stuttgart, with Kroos escaping without a yellow card. Dani Olmo came in as a replacement for Pedri, setting up Mikel Merino's winning goal. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced that Pedri had suffered an "internal lateral ligament sprain of the second degree in the left knee". The EURO is therefore likely to be over for him. However, he will remain with the team until the end of the tournament.
Spain faces France in the semifinals on Tuesday (21:00/MagentaTV and live at ntv.de). The Spanish Football Association made no statements regarding Pedri's absence, but according to Spanish media reports, he is expected to have to pause for "four to six weeks". With tears in his eyes, he hobbled off the field and was comforted by the substitute players. In the second half, he sat on the sidelines with a bandaged knee.
Kroos repeated in his post that he was glad he had decided to come back for the German national team despite initial doubts. He had "seen more in this team than it has shown in the last few years", but also "not expected" that it would "quickly get back on par with the best".
He thanked the fans "on a personal level" for "a really special warmth and affection". And he made a request: "Now that Germany has regained its favorite child: Don't let it go! The way of this team goes on. And it helps a lot if you also stand by it in bad phases! Because I can assure you: This is a group of great people who give everything to be successful!" Germany is back!!!"
Toni Kroos expressed his intentions to participate in the European Football Championship 2024, despite his upcoming retirement, emphasizing his belief in the potential of the German national soccer team. In the upcoming International match between Spain and France during the EURO 2024 qualifiers, fans can expect to see a motivated Kroos, contributing to Germany's resurgence in soccer.
