Goodbye and until next time: Kroos or Reus on a victorious departure

The Prestigious Champions League Tournament - Farewell and goodbye: Kroos or Reus ready for a glorious departure

The curtains are drawn back, the stage is clear for one final breathtaking performance. Saturday night (9 p.m./ZDF and DAZN) at London's iconic Wembley Stadium will see Borussia Dortmund take on the mighty Real Madrid in the Champions League final. With approximately 90,000 spectators and half a billion viewers worldwide, this is the ultimate set for these two powerhouse teams. Club legends Kroos (Real) and Reus (BVB) are set to say their goodbyes.

With tears likely to flow before the game's climax, Kroos reflects, "Honestly, I'm not thinking too much about myself. This is the most important game for the entire team, and we want to win it." All eyes are on his final performance, but he remains modest, "This is my last game for Real Madrid, but there's the European Championship with Germany after this."

The World Cup winner of 2014 had a bittersweet farewell at his last home game at the Bernabeu, with his teammates lifting him high and fans paying tribute. The emotion was overwhelming, and Kroos acknowledges, "It was amazing. I enjoyed it. I'm trying to push it aside because it's now all about the sporting aspect."

Kroos' impressive career with Real Madrid includes 22 trophies in a decade. "I hope he can win the Champions League again," said Carlo Ancelotti, Real's coach. Deserving of legendary status, "Toni Kroos' career doesn't need another Champions League title to go down in history. He is already history."

Vinicius Junior, his teammate, is already dreaming of a Ballon d'Or win for Kroos, "I'm signing right now that we'll win the Champions League final, then the Copa America, and that the Ballon d'Or will go to Toni Kroos." This illustrious honor would further solidify his status as a football icon.

Meanwhile, Reus' impressive career has been marred by injuries, preventing him from collecting more titles than the two cup wins with Borussia Dortmund. The offensive player's 2014 World Cup and 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Champions League finals losses have left fans hoping he could still achieve more.

"I think he's not done yet," said Edin Terzic, the BVB coach, about his ex-captain, who plans to continue his career abroad following the expiry of his contract. Reus' last emotional act for the team was a stunning performance against FC Augsburg. Sebastian Kehl, the BVB's sporting director, nods, "I'd rather wish it for Marco. It'd be a great story if he scored the winning goal at the end. Although Marco's injury history suggests he might not be at the same level anymore, his value to the team won't be underestimated."

Kroos and Reus both have a unique place in Borussia Dortmund's history, with Kroos flourishing and Reus battling injuries. However, one thing is certain - they will both be key figures in Saturday's game. "I need Marco on Saturday. I need his qualities," declared Terzic.

Two more international stars' futures with BVB are uncertain. For the 35-year-old Mats Hummels, this could be his final game in a Dortmund jersey. If he doesn't get a contract extension, Hummels may move to European countries nearby. As a World Cup winner of 2014, he may play his last match for the BVB at this climactic game.

The future of Real Madrid's Luka Modric (38) remains uncertain. In a recent statement, the Croatian said, "I can't provide an answer on that yet." He may potentially continue playing for another season. His goal is to depart just like Toni Kroos did, but not from Wembley Stadium, but from the Benabéu.