German midfielder Toni Kroos has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a illustrious career that spanned over 15 years.
The 34-year-old's decision comes in the aftermath of Germany's thrilling Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat to Spain, which saw La Roja emerge victorious in a 2-1 extra-time win.
Kroos, a mainstay of the German national team since his debut in 2010, has been an integral part of the country's success in recent years. He played a crucial role in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph, scoring two goals in the final against Argentina. Kroos's vision, passing range, and set-piece expertise made him a vital cog in Joachim Löw's team.
The Euro 2024 quarter-final clash between Germany and Spain was a intense and dramatic encounter, with Spain ultimately emerging victorious. Dani Olmo and Mikel Merino scored for Spain, while Florian Wirtz scored the lone German goal. The match marked the first time a host nation has been eliminated in the quarterfinals of a European Championship.
Throughout his career, Kroos has accumulated an impressive array of statistics, playing 106 games for Germany and scoring 17 goals. He also won the Golden Ball award at the 2014 World Cup, cementing his status as one of the world's top midfielders.
Kroos's retirement marks the end of an era for German football, as he joins a list of recently retired players, including Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer. His experience and leadership will be sorely missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of German footballers.
In a statement, Kroos expressed his gratitude to the German Football Association, his teammates, and the fans, saying, "It's been an honor to represent my country at the highest level. I'm proud of what we've achieved, and I'll always cherish the memories."
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