Injured Pedri to remain with Spain squad, accepts Kroos apology

Spain midfielder Pedri has commented for the first time on his injury-related Euro 2024 exit and accepted an apology from Germany's Toni Kroos who caused the knee injury.

Kroos tackled Pedri heavily early in Friday's quarter-final Spain won 2-1 in extra time, and the Barcelona player limped off in the eighth minute with what was later diagnosed as a knee strain.

Kroos apologised via social media and wished him a speedy recovery, and Pedri responded on Instagram on Sunday.

"Thank you Toni Kroos for your message. That's football and these things happen. Your career and your record remain forever," Pedri told former Real Madrid star Kroos whose career ended with the defeat.

Pedri said he would stay with the squad in Germany, with Spain playing France in the semi-finals on Tuesday and hoping for a place in next Sunday's final.

"I came to Germany for Euro 2024 and I will stay here, until the end. Because the dream, no doubt about it, continues," he said.

This week it's my turn to encourage and contribute in another way to this great family. Your support and that of all of you has been incredible. The hardest moment has passed. Come on Spain."

Spanish media said that Pedri could be sidelined for up to six weeks.