A legend says goodbye: Toni Kroos is ending his career. © ANSA / Javier Lizon

“Gracias Leyenda”: ​​Royal farewell for Toni Kroos

The fact that the already established Spanish champions Real Madrid couldn't get beyond a 0-0 draw against Betis Sevilla in their last game of the season in front of their home crowd on Saturday was a minor matter after the final whistle. Instead, the numerous Real fans said goodbye to a true legend.

26 Maj 2024

From: dpa/sn

Tears flowed from Toni Kroos. When the midfield star left the pitch of the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu for the last time and his three children were already waiting for him on the sidelines, he could no longer hide his emotions. “I was strong until I saw my children. “That moment killed me,” said Kroos about his moving farewell to the Spanish football champions on Saturday evening. “During these ten years I have always felt at home. It was an unforgettable time.”

Rarely has a player from the Royals been given such a farewell as Kroos. “Gracias Leyenda” (Thank you, legend) could be read on a huge poster, his teammates around Luka Modric and Co. threw the 34-year-old into the air after the 0-0 draw against Betis Sevilla and it rang out again and again from the steep stands “Toni, Tony.” Kroos, who is ending his professional career after the European Championships in the summer, actually wanted a discreet farewell. That went completely wrong.

22 titles with Real Madrid

His time at Real isn't quite over yet, a big task still awaits him. “The best way would be to win the 15th,” said Kroos. It should be the 15th Champions League triumph next Saturday in the premier class final against Borussia Dortmund at London's Wembley Stadium. For Kroos it would be the fifth in the Madrid jersey and the sixth of his career. In total, the 2014 world champion has won an incredible 22 titles with Real.

“He is a player who has done something extraordinary for this club. It's the farewell he deserves. He is one of the greatest,” enthused successful coach Carlo Ancelotti. “He always had a little ego and played for the team. We can count ourselves lucky to have had him here for ten years.” For Ancelotti, Kroos was an extended arm on the pitch; together with playmaker Modric, the Greifswald native shaped an era in Real midfield.

Only the European title is missing

Kroos has achieved almost everything. However, he is still missing a title. The European Championship trophy in the summer could round off his successful career. After his comeback in March, Kroos is the fixture in Julian Nagelsmann's team. In any case, the national coach is impressed by his fitness: “If you hug Toni Kroos, even though he is no longer 20, he is like steel! Incredible body, still!”

It will finally be over by July 14th at the latest, the day of the European Championship final. Afterwards, Kroos is looking forward to “more self-determination”. He has already pushed forward various projects such as his podcast, his foundation and his football academy alongside his career. And his little daughter finally wants to see him on a horse. So it won't be boring.