Kroos emotionally says goodbye to the Bernabéu stadium.
For a decade, Toni Kroos has been a star player for Real Madrid, helping them win numerous championships. After his last season with the team, the German football pro will be leaving the club amidst an emotional farewell ceremony at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Addressing the fans post-match, Kroos expressed his gratitude to Real Madrid after their 0:0 draw against Betis Sevilla, where they held a special farewell event. "I've always felt at home here in these past ten years," he said, "I honestly couldn't ask for more." Kroos will be ending his long career after the European Championship in the summer.
With a bustling crowd cheering, Kroos was celebrated even before the game started. When he was substituted late in the match, his three children were there to greet him. "I only faltered when I saw my children," he confessed. He was overwhelmed with emotion and could only express his gratitude to everyone. With a possible Champions League title win against Borussia Dortmund in London on June 1st, Kroos would have secured his sixth title in the elite tier of football.
"I believe it was a deserved farewell for a legend," commented Real's coach Carlo Ancelotti. "He's an extraordinary player who has achieved great things for this club. It's the send-off he deserves. He is one of the greats." The fans of Real Madrid showed their appreciation with a large banner that read, "Gracias Leyenda" - Thank you, Legend.
Since the Champions League final is scheduled, Kroos and teammate Antonio Rüdiger won't be able to participate in Germany's handball national team's preparatory camp for the upcoming home European Championship. Under the leadership of coach Julian Nagelsmann, Germany's squad holds a training camp in Thuringia, but Kroos, Rüdiger, as well as Dortmund's Niclas Füllkrug and Nico Schlotterbeck will have to join the team later.
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Source: www.ntv.de
