Following their exit from the 2024 European championships, Germany legend Toni Kroos penned an emotional message to their supporters.
The host nation was beaten 2-1 by Spain in the quarter-final of the tournament on Friday.
Spain took the lead in the 51st minute through Dani Olmo and Florian Wirtz levelled for Germany in the 89th minute to take the game into extra time.
Mikel Merino rose high to decide the game through a powerful head in the 119th minute of extra time.
The game marked Kroos’ very last game in professional football.
He has now posted an emotional message on Instagram where he appreciated the fans and spoke about his return to the national team last year.
“29.09.2023 my phone rang. Caller: Julian Nagelsmann Request: return to the national team. First thought in my mind: I’m not stupid! The first thought in my heart: fuck yeah! The heart decided to know.
“My first thought this morning 7/6/2024: I’m glad I did. Despite all the sadness and emptiness since the whistle yesterday.
“I’ve seen more and more in the team than she 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 at the title and to be up to date with the best again! That’s why I’m very proud of what this team did! And that can be all of Germany again.
“A special thanks to you out there who made this home EM a special one. We have seen you, experienced and felt you! On a personal level, I would like to thank you for a really very special warmth and affection over the last weeks. This was very special.
“And finally a request: Now that Germany has won back its beloved child: don’t let it go! The path of this team continues. And it helps brutally if you stand by her even in bad phases! Because one thing I can assure you: this is a group of great people who do everything they can to succeed!”
Euro 2024: Toni Kroos pens emotional message as he suffers defeat in final game
