Real Madrid fans and teammates gathered at the Santiago Bernabeu to pay tribute to Toni Kroos as he played his final game before retiring from football this summer. The emotional midfielder played 87 minutes of Madrid’s 0-0 LaLiga draw with Real Betis, marking the end of an era for the legendary player.
During an interview with Real Madrid TV, Kroos expressed his gratitude towards the club, fans, teammates, and the stadium that has been his home for the past 10 years. His emotional farewell was met with a guard of honour from both teams, showcasing the respect and admiration that Kroos has earned throughout his career.
Kroos, who will also feature for Germany in the upcoming Euros before retiring, was visibly moved by the gesture of his teammates wearing ‘Kroos 8′ shirts and taking to the pitch with him for his final game. The moment was made even more special as his children joined him on the pitch afterwards, bringing tears to the eyes of the usually composed midfielder.
Having won an impressive 22 trophies with Real Madrid, including four Champions Leagues and four LaLiga titles, Kroos leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. His impact on the club and the game itself is undeniable, and his presence will be sorely missed next season as Madrid adjusts to life without the midfield maestro.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti also shared his thoughts on Kroos’ retirement, praising the player for his extraordinary contributions to the club. Ancelotti believes that Kroos deserves the fitting farewell that he received at the Santiago Bernabeu and hopes that the team can honor his legacy by winning the 15th European Cup next weekend at Wembley.
Looking Towards the Future
As Real Madrid prepares to move forward without Kroos in the upcoming season, Ancelotti acknowledges that there will be changes within the team. The responsibility will now fall on the remaining players to step up and fill the void left by the departing legend.
Toni Kroos’ emotional farewell at the Santiago Bernabeu was a poignant reminder of the impact he has had on Real Madrid and the game of football as a whole. His legacy as a player and a person will be remembered fondly by fans, teammates, and coaches alike. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, Kroos leaves behind a legendary career that will forever be etched in the history of one of the greatest clubs in the world.
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