July 8 – Decorated German veteran Toni Kroos, who has now retired from international football for good following his country’s defeat by Spain at Euro 2024, has apologised for his challenge on Spanish starlet Pedri that ruled him out of the rest of the tournament.
The Barcelona midfielder lasted just six minutes of their 2-1 quarterfinal win over Germany on Friday after being on the receiving end of a strong tackle by Kroos and could face up to six weeks on the sidelines.
Despite ending his glittering career with a defeat, Kroos showed his class by issuing a heartfelt apology to Pedri in his farewell message to German fans.
“I want to apologise and ask for forgiveness, Pedri,” Kroos wrote on Instagram. “I hope you make a quick recovery. It was not my intention to hurt you and I wish you all the best. You are a great player.”
Kroos came out on international retirement specifically for Euro 2024 having initially called time on his career.
“Despite all the sadness and emptiness… I’m very proud of what this team did,” Kroos told German fans after the home nation’s elimination. “A special thank you to you out there who made this home European Championship a special one.
Spain will also be without defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand against France on Tuesday, both serving one-game suspensions, Carvajal after being sent off against Germany and Le Normand for an accumulation of bookings.
Meanwhile Pedri has forgiven Toni Kroos for the challenge that left him with a nasty knee injury.
“Thank you Toni Kroos for your message,” the 21-year-old wrote. “This is soccer and these things happen. Your career and your record remain forever.”
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