Germany great Toni Kroos pens emotional farewell post; Pedri accepts apology

Germany great Toni Kroos officially bid farewell to soccer on Sunday, two days after his team’s dramatic loss to Spain in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024.

Substitute Mikel Merino's game-winning goal in the last minute of extra time handed Spain a 2-1 victory, knocked out the host nation and ended Kroos' career.

"So that’s it," Kroos wrote in a post on Instagram on Sunday. "But before I take a break and at least try to realize what happened over the last 17 years I don’t want to miss the opportunity to say thank you to everyone accepting me how and who I am."

The 2014 World Cup winner went on to thank his fans, clubs, coaches and teammates, as well as his friends and family, adding that there is "nothing better (than) to see your kids being proud of daddy."

He also sent an apology to Spain youngster Pedri after causing him to miss the remainder of Euro 2024 following a hard challenge in the quarterfinal game. Pedri sustained a knee injury during the contact, and is unable to continue in the tournament.

Pedri expressed his heartfelt thanks to Kroos for the apology, writing on social media: "Thank you Toni Kroos for your message. This is soccer and these things happen. Your career and your record remain forever."

Pedri had to come off in the eighth minute of Friday’s match, thanks to Merino's game-winning goal in the last minute of extra time — set up by Pedri’s replacement Dani Olmo, who had netted the opener.

Pedri will stay with the Spain squad for the rest of the tournament: Tuesday’s semifinal against France and the final five days later — against either England or the Netherlands — should Spain get there.

"I came to Germany for Euro 2024 and I will continue here, until the end," Pedri wrote. "Because, do not doubt it,