Toni Kroos has apologised for injuring Pedri with the Spain starlet ruled out for the rest of Euro 2024.
The Barcelona midfielder lasted just six minutes of their 2-1 quarter-final victory over Germany on Friday after being on the receiving end of a strong tackle by Kroos.
Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo claim that he could now face up to six weeks on the sidelines having suffered a knee sprain.
Kroos, who somehow avoided a yellow card over the foul, will now retire from football at the age of 34 following Germany’s exit.
But despite ending his glittering career with a defeat, he showed his class by issuing a heartfelt apology to Pedri in his farewell message to Germany fans.
Taking to Instagram, he said: “Still very important to me: forgiveness and get well soon to Pedri.
“It was obviously not my intention to injure you. Swift recovery and all the best. You are a great player.”
Kroos came out on international retirement for Euro 2024 having initially called time on his career following Germany’s last 16 defeat to England at Euro 2020.
But he has revealed how a phone call from boss Julian Nagelsmann changed everything – insisting he has no regrets and has tipped Germany for great success in the future.
He stated in his post: “9/29/2023 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, ‘F*** 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 thank you 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! Germany is who again!”
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News Summary:
- Toni Kroos issues heartfelt apology to ‘great player’ Pedri following Euro 2024 injury in Germany’s defeat to Spain
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.