A 2024 UEFA European Championship star has officially bid farewell to the game after a heart-breaking exit from the tournament.
Toni Kroos had previously announced that he would be retiring from professional football after the tournament and after Germany suffered a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the quarter-finals, it ended perhaps sooner than he would have wished.
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Although it would have been a spectacular note to end on if his side lifted the continental trophy on home soil, the 34-year-old will still look back on his career with immense fondness.
The former central midfielder was a FIFA World Cup winner with his nation in 2014. He has also won six UEFA Champions League titles among his many other achievements.
Now, however, it is all officially over.
"So that's it," he wrote in an Instagram post.
But before i take a break and at least try to realize what happened over the last 17 years i don't want to miss the opportunity to say thank you to everyone accepting me how and who i am.
"Thanks to all my fans around the world for your unconditional support. Thanks to all my clubs and coaches for believing in me. Thanks to all my teammates for making me feel welcome anytime.
"Thanks to my friends for always being honest with me no matter how successful I became. Thanks to my agents who became friends.
"Thanks to my parents for the best possible preparation to realise my dream. Thanks to my brother @felixkroos23 for always being my number one fan.
"Thanks to my kids for being my biggest motivation to bring the best out of me - nothing better to see your Kids being proud of daddy. Thanks to my beautiful wife @jessica_kroos for being you. Never change. This success wouldn't have been possible without you. It's ours!
"And last but not least: Thank you Football! You beautiful game. And… you're welcome! Over and out."
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