On Saturday night, Toni Kroos participated in his final La Liga match at the Bernabeu and paid an emotional farewell to Real Madrid.
The renowned German midfielder has one more club match left for Los Blancos, which is next week’s Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. He will retire from professional football following Euro 2024.
Before the goalless draw, Real Betis players and teammates presented Kroos with a guard of honor, and a large banner bearing the words “thank you legend” was put up in the stands. Kroos has won four league crowns and four Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.
The former star of Bayern Munich played 87 minutes, receiving a standing ovation when he was replaced. On the touchline, he sobbed while hugging his daughter.
He spoke to Real Madrid TV after the game:
“It’s not easy to talk, but I can only say thank you. To all of madridismo, to the club, to my teammates and to the stadium, I’ve always felt at home. I couldn’t ask for more. It’s been 10 unforgettable years.
“You come with a different feeling when you know it’s the last game. But I told myself that I wanted to enjoy myself and I have done that in these 85 minutes, as I have always done when I’ve played here. It’s so special. In the years to come, when I don’t have that, I’m going to notice it.
“I was pretty strong up until the moment I saw my kids.
“It’s a special team, I’ve always said it’s a good group. Everyone has given me the respect I deserved. It’s not just a group of good players, they’re very good people. I’ve always felt very comfortable in this team.”
“I wanted to make it official before this game so that, after tomorrow, we can forget about it. The best way to leave would be to win a title.”
Madrid’s focus will immediately shift off the field to its match against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium the following week as the team looks to win a record-tying 15th Champions League and European Cup titles.
