The Spain midfielder Pedri has forgiven Toni Kroos for ending his European Championship. Pedri was ruled out of the rest of Euro 2024 on Saturday with a left knee injury that he sustained in a hefty challenge from Kroos during Spain’s quarter-final victory over Germany.
Kroos publicly apologised to the Barcelona youngster at the end of an Instagram post and Pedri thanked the 34-year-old, who was playing his final match as a professional footballer.
“Thank you Toni Kroos for your message,” the 21-year-old Pedri wrote in a post on social media. “This is soccer and these things happen. Your career and your record remain forever.”
Pedri had to come off in the eighth minute of Friday’s match and Spain went on to beat Germany 2-1 thanks to Mikel Merino’s game-winning goal in the last minute of extra time. Pedri will stay with the squad for the rest of the tournament: Tuesday’s semi-final against France and the final five days later – against either England or the Netherlands – should Spain get there.
“I came to Germany for Euro 2024 and I will continue here, until the end. Because, do not doubt it, the dream continues,” Pedri wrote. “This week it’s time to encourage and contribute in another way to this great family that is Spain. Their support and that of all of you is incredible. The hardest moment has passed and the road back has already started, to soon be at full strength with Barcelona.”
Kroos, who retires as one of the modern greats of the game, released a further statement on Saturday, thanking his fans, coaches, teammates, agents, wife and wider family.
“So that’s it,” he posted on Instagram. “But before I take a break and at least try to realise what has happened over the past 17 years, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to say thank you to everyone who accepts me as I am. Thank you to all my supporters around the world for your unconditional support. Thank you to all my clubs and coaches for believing in me. Thank you to all my teammates for making me feel important at every moment. Thank you to my friends for always being honest with me regardless of my success. Thanks to my agents who have become my friends.
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“Thank you to my parents for giving me the best possible preparation to realise my dream. Thanks to my brother for always being my No 1 fan. Thank you to my children for being my greatest motivation to push me to bring out the best in myself. There’s nothing better than seeing your children be proud of Dad. Thank you to my beautiful wife for being you. Never change. This success would not have been possible without you. It’s ours! Thank you football! What a beautiful game. And … you’re welcome! Over and out.”