"Don't let it go!" - Toni Kroos pens emotional message to Germany fans after EURO 2024 exit
Germany legend Toni Kroos penned an emotional message after their exit from UEFA EURO 2024 on Friday, July 5. The hosts lost 2-1 in extra time against Spain in the quarter-finals at the MHPArena in Stuttgart.
Dani Olmo gave La Roja the lead in the 51st minute. Florian Wirtz restored parity in the 89th minute to take the game into extra time. With the game looking set to go to a penalty shootout, Mikel Merino headed in Spain's winner in the 119th minute.
As a result, Germany were eliminated and it also marked Toni Kroos' last game in professional football. The Real Madrid legend posted a message on Instagram. He spoke about his return to the national team last year, having announced his retirement in 2021. He wrote:
"29.09.2023 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."
Kroos extended his gratitude to the supporters and requested them to stick with the team in their ups and downs, writing:
"A special thanks to you out there who made this home EM 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!"
Toni Kroos made 114 appearances for the German national team, scoring 17 goals and providing 21 assists. He also won the 2014 FIFA World Cup with them.
Toni Kroos retires from football after an incredible career
It was a shock when Toni Kroos announced his retirement in May this year. The 34-year-old was arguably amidst a great spell, having an incredible 2023-24 season with Real Madrid. However, he mentioned in his announcement that he wanted to end on a high.
He joined Bayern Munich's youth setup in 2006 and went on to make 205 appearances for them, registering 24 goals and 49 assists. He won numerous trophies with them, including one UEFA Champions League trophy, before joining Real Madrid in 2014.
Toni Kroos made 465 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 28 goals and providing 99 assists. He won four Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles, among multiple trophies, with Los Blancos.