'F*ck yeah!' - Toni Kroos reflects on return to Germany set-up after Euro 2024 heartbreak in final game before retirement as he sends apology to Spain's stricken Pedri

Kroos announced before the tournament that he would retire from the game after Euro 2024. Having already ended his club career with a La Liga and Champions League double at Real Madrid, he hoped to guide Germany to European domination on home soil after Julian Nagelsmann brought him back into the fold.

His team's journey ended at the quarter-final stage on Saturday, though, as Germany were beaten 2-1 after extra-time against Spain. Despite the heartbreak, though, he expressed pride in the national team after their performances.

He wrote in an Instagram post: "[September 29, 2023]: my phone rang. Caller: Julian Nagelsmann Request: return to national team. First thought in my mind: I'm not stupid! 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 is 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 [European Championship] 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!"

Early in the match against Spain, Kroos' heavy challenge injured Spain and Barcelona midfielder Pedri, who had to be substituted after eight minutes and has since been ruled out of the rest of the tournament.

Kroos ended his message with an apology to the 21-year-old, saying: "I would also like to say something very important: I apologise and get well soon to Pedri! Obviously it wasn't my intention to hurt you. I hope you get better quickly and all the best. You're a great player."

Germany will regroup after their defeat against La Roja as they look to improve for the 2026 World Cup. They will head into that tournament without Kroos as the 34-year-old enters life after football following his retirement.