Real Madrid give Toni Kroos fitting tribute
Real Madrid gave Toni Kroos a fitting tribute after he played his last game at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
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Real Madrid gives Kroos fitting tribute
Kroos fielded 87 minutes in Real Madrid’s 0-0 LaLiga draw with Real Betis.
The German international announced his retirement last week.
He will play his last game with Los Blancos in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1.
“It isn’t easy,” Kroos, 34, told Real Madrid TV. “I can only say thank you to Madrid fans, the club, my teammates, and this stadium. I’ve always felt at home in these 10 years here. I couldn’t ask for more. They’ve been 10 unforgettable years.”
Madrid appreciate Kroos’ services
Before kick-off, his Madrid teammates wore jerseys with ‘Kroos 8,’ and he also took the captain’s armband.
Fans at the Bernabeu gave Kroos a long ovation when he exited the field in the 87th minute.
Kroos received another round of cheers from the crowd when his children joined him on the pitch afterwards, which made him emotional.
“Obviously it’s a different feeling when you know it’s your last game,” he said. “I said I wanted to enjoy it and I did, I enjoyed these 85 minutes a lot, as I’ve always enjoyed playing here. You play every two weeks here, but it’s so special. I’ll realise that in the years to come, when I don’t have it.”
Kroos won 22 trophies with Madrid, including four Champions Leagues and four LaLiga titles.
The 34-year-old will have the chance to win his 23rd trophy in Wembley next week.
“This is a special team, it’s a good group. They’ve all given me the respect I think I deserved. They aren’t just good players, they’re good people,” said Kroos.
“I wanted to make [my retirement] official before this game, so that as of tomorrow we can forget about this subject. The best way to leave would be winning a trophy.”
