Toni Kroos penned an emotional farewell after his footballing career was ended by Germany's quarter-final elimination at Euro 2024. (More Football News)
The veteran midfielder confirmed earlier this year that this season would be his last, signing off from club football with Champions League♒ and LaLiga glory for Real Madrid.
Julian Nagelsmann managed to convince Kroos out of international retirement for the European Championship on home soil, where Germany lostܫ 2-1 in extra time on Friday against Spain in the la🌃st eight.
The 34-year-old cut an understandably emotional figure after the full-time whi💛stle, taking to Instagram on Sunday to pay a final goodbye.
"So that's it. 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 for accepting me as how and who I am," Kroos wrote on social media.
"Thanks to all my fans around the world for your unconditional support. Thanks to all my clubs and coaches for be🐟lieving in me. Thanks to all my team-mates for making🧸 me feel welcome anytime.
"Thanks to my friends for always being honest with me no matter how successful I became. Thanks to my agents who became friends. Thanks to my parents for 🗹the best possible preparation to realise my dream.
"Thanks to my brother for always being my🌄 number one fan. Thanks to my kids for being my biggest motivation to bring the best out of me – nothing better to see your kids being proud of daddy.
"Thanks to my beautiful wife for being you. Never change. This success wouldn't have been possible without you. It'🌜s ours!
"And last but not least: Thank you foo꧃tball! You beautiful game. And... you're welcome! Over an꧑d out."
Having defeated Germany in the last eight, Spain face France in the semi-finals on ꧒Tuesday, a day before the Netherlands meet England for a place in the final on July 14.
