Madrid. Toni Kroos’ last home game for Real Madrid was emotional. But the 2014 world champion still has two big goals in mind.
In the end, he also became an ice cream man Tony Kroos dominated by his feelings. With the screams of the fans, the standing ovation when he was substituted and the tributes from his teammates, he managed to hold back the tears. But when his family hugged him crying, Kroos also left. “I was very strong until I saw my children,” said the 34-year-old after his final home game for Real Madrid.
Kroos repeatedly warmed up Amelie, Fin and Leon, who watched their father’s final appearance at the legendary Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the number eight shirt. His wife Jessica also shed tears of emotion.
Toni Kroos ends his career: end of an era at Real Madrid
464 competitive games, 28 goals, 98 assists – the Greifswald native shaped the real game for ten years. “It is necessary to win titles and I am the right man”, announced Kroos in his presentation in 2014 – and he kept his word. There have been 22 titles so far. The number 23 will continue in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, on June 1st, in London.
But nobody thought about that on Saturday night, in the 0-0 draw against Betis Sevilla. Before the game even started, players from both teams formed the midfield tactician’s guard. Fans dedicated great choreography to him. “Gracias Leyenda” – Thank you, legend – reads a huge banner.
“It’s not easy, I can only thank Real Madrid, the club, my teammates, the stadium,” said Kroos. During these ten years “he always felt at home”. They were “unforgettable years”.
Real Madrid: Team celebrates Toni Kroos, Ancelotti would like to keep him
After the final whistle, his teammates around Antonio Rüdiger continued throwing him into the air. Coach Carlo Ancelotti also praised Kroos as a “legend” and “great football player”. He was “one of the best midfielders in the history of football”, said the Italian.
After the European Championships at home in the summer, it was finally over for the 2014 world champion, even if Ancelotti would have enjoyed working with him for another year. “He is German, so it is not so easy to convince him to change his mind,” said Ancelotti. sid