Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has spoken for the first time since retiring from international football - slamming fans who took his talent for granted.
Kroos started Tuesday's 2-0 loss to England as Germany bowed out of Euro 2020 at the last-16 stage.
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The Real Madrid man announced his retirement in the following days and has now spoken to BILD about his decision.
During an international career that spanned 11 years, Kroos made 106 appearances and helped his country win the 2014 World Cup.
However, Kroos believes some fans didn't acknowledge just how good he is.
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He said: "I don't want to accuse anyone in Germany because there are many fans who appreciate me, but sometimes I had the feeling that some did not appreciate what I did in my 11 years.
"In Spain it's different, everyone is grateful since my first game in the last 7 years."
The 31-year-old joined Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2014 and has become one of the club's greatest midfielders.
He's won two La Liga titles as well as three Champions League titles, in addition to one at Bayern.
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Alongside Luka Modric and Casemiro, Kroos arguably makes up one third of the world's top midfields.
Kroos announced his decision in an emotional statement on Instagram.
It read: "I've played for Germany 106 times. There won't be another time.
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"I would have dearly wished, and I gave everything again, that there would have been 109 internationals in the end and that this one big title, the European Championship, would have been added at the end.
"I had made the decision to quit after this tournament for a long time. It had been clear to me for a long time that I would not be available for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
"Mainly because I want to focus fully on my goals with Real Madrid for the next few years. In addition, from now on I will deliberately allow myself breaks that have not existed as a national player for eleven years.
"And moreover, as a husband and dad, I would also like to be there for my wife and three children.
"It was a great honour for me to be able to wear this jersey for such a long period of time. I did it with pride and passion.
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"Thanks to all fans and supporters who carried and supported me with their applause and cheers. And thanks to all the critics for their extra motivation."
There are more changes coming to Die Mannschaft, as manager Joachim Low will be replaced by Hansi Flick.
Kroos continued: "At the very end I would like to say thank you very much to Jogi Low. He made me a national player and world champion. He trusted me. We have written a success story for a long time.
"It was an honor for me, doing it well - and good luck and success to Hansi Flick."
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Football, Euro 2020, Toni Kroos, Germany, Real Madrid