First Division - "Thank you Legend" - Regal goodbye for Kroos at Real
The sporting scene has been emotional of late, as Toni Kroos, a prominent midfielder for Real Madrid, bid a tearful goodbye to his team during a match against Betis Sevilla. While leaving the pitch of the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Kroos,'s three children eagerly awaited him, causing his emotions to overflow. "I managed to stay strong until I saw my children," he shared. "That moment destroyed me."
Quite a fitting farewell was planned for Kroos with "Gracias Leyenda" (Thank you, legend) displayed on a giant poster and his teammates lifting him up during the game. Despite his wish for a low-key departure, the loud cheers from the spectators disrupted his plan.
22 titles with Real Madrid
Although his time at Real is not over yet, Kroos has one last duty to attend to - contributing to their prestigious trophy collection. "The finest option would be to win the 15th," says Kroos, referring to their 15th Champions League triumph. Scheduled for the grand finale next Saturday against Borussia Dortmund in Wembley Stadium in London, it would mark his fifth in a Real Madrid shirt and the sixth of his career. In total, Kroos boasts a stunning 22 titles with Real Madrid.
"He's a player who's achieved extraordinary feats for this team," said Carlo Ancelotti, adding, "He deserves this grand exit. He ranks among the greatest." Admiring Kroos' contribution to Real Madrid, Ancelotti called him their extended arm on the field, alongside playmaker Luka Modric, having formed an integral part of their team.
A consistent player who has always shown remarkable commitment, Kroos came to Madrid in 2014 for an estimated €30 million and played a whooping 464 games for them, scoring 28 goals and setting up 98 assists. His passing accuracy in each of his ten seasons outpaced 92%. Undoubtedly, a cool head when pressure prevails, Kroos finds it hard to find a replacement for someone like him on the market.
Only the European Championship title is lacking
Kroos could have extended his contract at Real for another year, but he turned the offer down. He emphasized that he wanted to leave at the peak of his career while expressing, "I didn't want people to have to tell me I'm finished."
Securing almost every major achievement, Kroos still needs to add the European Championship title to his repertoire. Since making a comeback in March, he has been a fixture in Julian Nagelsmann's squad. His training and strength have impressed the national coach: "When you hug Toni Kroos, it's like hugging steel! His body is still incredibly fit!"
July 14 may be the final day, during the European Championship final juncture. Post that, Kroos is excited about more freedom in his life. In addition to his career, Kroos has already undertaken several projects, including a podcast, his foundation, and a soccer academy. Most importantly, his daughter wants him to ride a horse, so his post-football life promises to be eventful as well.
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Source: www.stern.de
