Germany legend Toni Kroos writes emotional message to fans after losing to Spain in the final game of his stellar career - with former Real Madrid star also offering an apology to injured Pedri

Toni Kroos wrote an emotional letter to fans after his remarkable career ended on Friday night with Germany's 2-1 defeat by Spain after extra time.

The 34-year-old former Real Madrid star won the UEFA Champions League for the sixth time in his last ever club appearance at the start of last month.

He had been hoping to end his international career in a similar blaze of glory but Germany were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of Euro 2024 on Friday.

Kroos is adamant that he is retiring for good this time. However, he has retired from international football once before - doing so in 2021, only to reverse his decision ahead of this summer's Euros following a request from manager Julian Nagelsmann.

He began his farewell letter to fans - which was published via his Instagram account - by recalling that conversation with Nagelsmann.

Kroos wrote: 'On September 29, 2023 my phone rang. Caller: Julian Nagelsmann. Request: return to the national team. The first thought in my head: I'm not stupid! First thought in my heart: f*** yeah! As we know, the heart decided.

'My first thought this morning on July 6, 2024: I'm glad I did it. Despite all the sadness and emptiness since the final whistle yesterday. I have always seen more in the team than they have shown in recent years. But I didn't expect that it would be possible in such a short time to have a really realistic chance of winning the title and being on a level with the best again! That's why I'm very proud of what this team has achieved! And that can be the case for all of Germany again.

'A special thank you to you out there who made this home European Championship a special one. We have seen, experienced and felt you! On a personal level, I would like to thank you for the really special warmth and affection over the last few weeks. That was very special.

'And finally a request: Now that Germany has won back its favourite child (the national team): don't let them go! The path of this team continues. And it really helps if you stand by them even in bad phases! Because I can assure you of one thing: this is a group of great people who give everything to be successful! Germany is someone again!!!'

Kroos - who won 33 team trophies during his career with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Germany, including the 2014 World Cup - ended his message by apologising to Pedri and asking for forgiveness after accidentally causing an injury to the 21-year-old midfielder during the opening 10 minutes of Friday's game. 

Pedri looked very upset as he left the field after a late challenge by Kroos appeared to result in an injury to the Barcelona starlet's right knee.

However, Pedri's mood was seemingly much improved when he joined in with his team-mates celebrations after the game.

After apologising, Kroos added: 'It wasn't my intention to hurt you. A quick recovery and all the best. You're a great player.'