On Saturday, May 25th, legendary Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos played his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Having announced his retirement at the end of the season on Tuesday, May 21st, Kroos received a grand ovation from fans and teammates during his last lap around the iconic pitch.
From the kickoff, a guard of honor was formed for the German maestro, who wore the captain’s armband for the occasion.
Kroos then delivered a masterful performance, boasting a 96% pass completion rate and being named man of the match despite the draw against Betis.
A heartfelt tribute to Toni Kroos
“I’ve cherished these 10 years here, the Santiago Bernabeu is my home,” Kroos said emotionally after the match.
“It’s not easy to leave, but I can only say thank you to Real Madrid. It’s an extraordinary club and group of players. Here, you don’t just find outstanding talents, but above all, wonderful people.”
Tears rolled down Kroos’s cheeks as he mentioned his children, who were present in the stands for his final match. “I’m emotionally strong, but my children’s reaction destroyed me,” he said.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti didn’t miss the chance to salute his player’s immense contribution. He stated, “Toni Kroos is a club legend.
He deserved this grand farewell. He’s an integral part of Real Madrid’s history and will be remembered as one of the greatest players to wear our shirt.”
A chapter closes, a legend immortalizes
Toni Kroos’s departure marks the end of an era for Real Madrid, but his legacy will remain etched in memory forever.
His vision of the game, surgical precision, and exemplary leadership made him an indispensable pillar of the team and a role model for future generations.
Kroos leaves the Santiago Bernabeu with his head held high, adorned with success and recognition. His name joins the long list of club legends, and his imprint on Real Madrid will remain indelible.
Leave a Reply