Toni Kroos' Emotional Goodbye: Real Madrid Legend Says Farewell at Santiago Bernabeu
Toni Kroos said a tearful goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, with players and fans giving him a heartfelt send-off.
The German player will retire after the upcoming European Championship, with his last club game being next week's Champions League final.
When Kroos joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich for just £20m in 2014, only a few thousand fans attended his unveiling, even though Manchester United was interested in him. In contrast, the stadium was full for his final LaLiga game, where Madrid played to a 0-0 draw with Real Betis, having already won the league title.
During his successful career at Real Madrid, Kroos won four league titles, the Copa del Rey, four Supercopa de Espanas, three UEFA Super Cups, five Club World Cups, and four Champions League trophies, with a fifth one possible.
Kroos was emotional as he entered the updated Santiago Bernabeu, greeted by a guard of honor from his teammates and Real Betis players. A large banner reading "thank you legend" and displaying the number 22, representing his titles, was revealed in his honor.
Before the game, the club showed all of Kroos' trophies, and he posed with them. The former World Cup winner played for 87 minutes before being substituted, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.
Kroos was overcome with emotion as he hugged his daughter in the dugout after being substituted. Former teammates, including Isco, were there to celebrate his amazing career.
Usually calm, Kroos was deeply moved as he stood in the center circle with his family, surrounded by fans cheering for him. Tributes from his teammates poured in, with Madrid GK Thibaut Courtois posting on X: "Today has been very emotional, especially seeing a legend say goodbye to his home. You deserve it."
Kroos will play his final game for Real Madrid next weekend when the team faces Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley.
Images From:
- Getty Images
- EPA
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