The Germany international has apologised

Toni Kroos has issued a heartfelt apology to Spain midfielder Pedri after injuring the Barcelona star.

Germany crashed out of Euro 2024 in extra-time against Spain when ex-Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino headed home to send the hosts packing.

Spain will face France in the semi-final but will be without star midfielder Pedri whose tournament was ended in the first-half by a challenge from Kroos.

The German caught the Barcelona star with a high tackle, avoiding a booking in the process, and Spain have revealed the injury sustained will sideline the youngster for the foreseeable future.

Defeat against Spain was Kroos’ final game in his playing career after hanging up his boots following a trophy-laden season with Real Madrid.

The 34-year-old showed his class in the wake of defeat by offering an apology to Pedri for his tackle.

“Still very important to me: forgiveness and get well soon to Pedro,” he wrote on Instagram.

“It was obviously not my intention to injure you. Swift recovery and all the best. You are a great player.”

Kroos’ post carried on with a reflection on Germany’s performance on home soil, adding that he was surprised that the team was so competitive after a difficult spell of international tournaments.

He continued: “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 there 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 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!”