Toni Kroos Farewell Real Madrid : Toni Kroos bade an emotional farewell to Real Madrid fans at a sold-out Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, marking the end of a remarkable decade with the Spanish giants. The German midfielder played his final home game in a goalless draw against Real Betis, a match that held little competitive significance but immense emotional weight.
Heartbreaking Farewell: Toni Kroos Bids Emotional Goodbye to Real Madrid Fans at Santiago Bernabeu
A Night of Celebration
With Real Madrid already confirmed as La Liga champions and all other league positions decided, the evening was dedicated to celebrating Kroos’s illustrious career. The 34-year-old, who has made 464 appearances and helped Real win over 20 major trophies, including four European Cups, has announced his retirement following this year’s European Championship in Germany.
The match, which ended in a 0-0 draw, was a mere formality, but the real highlight was the farewell ceremony. As Kroos walked onto the pitch, he was greeted by a corridor formed by his teammates, all donning his number eight jersey. The fans held up a giant flag with his face and the words “Thank you, legend,” which covered the south stand, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
A Tearful Goodbye
In the 85th minute, Kroos was substituted, and the emotional floodgates opened. He received a standing ovation as he left the field and embraced his three children, Leon, Amelie, and Fin, who were visibly moved. The game paused for several minutes as Kroos hugged each of his teammates and his coach, Carlo Ancelotti. After the final whistle, Kroos, his family, and his teammates took a lap of honor, serenaded by fans for almost 30 minutes.
“I can only say thank you to all the Madridismo, to the club, to my teammates, to the stadium,” Kroos told reporters. “I’ve always felt at home during these 10 years. I couldn’t ask for more. They have been 10 unforgettable years.”
Reflecting on His Career
Reflecting on his emotional farewell, Kroos added, “I was pretty strong until I saw my children, that moment killed me.” The scene was a poignant reminder of the strong bond Kroos has formed with the club, his teammates, and the fans over the past decade.
The Match: A Prelude to the Final
Real Madrid ended their La Liga campaign at the top of the standings with 95 points, 13 ahead of bitter rivals Barcelona. The match against Real Betis also served as a dress rehearsal for their upcoming Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti fielded his likely team for the final, with Real dominating the game. Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr. missed good chances, while Ferland Mendy had an effort cleared off the line. Real keeper Thibaut Courtois, in his fourth start after recovering from a serious knee injury, made two remarkable one-handed saves to deny Ayoze Perez and Juan Miranda in the second half.
Looking Ahead
As Real Madrid prepares for the Champions League final, the team will carry the emotional high of Kroos’s farewell into the match. The veteran midfielder’s departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy will undoubtedly inspire his teammates as they strive for European glory.
Toni Kroos’s farewell was not just a goodbye to a player but a celebration of a legend who has left an indelible mark on Real Madrid and its fans. His contributions on and off the field have been immense, and his presence will be sorely missed in the seasons to come.
As the Santiago Bernabeu lights dimmed on this emotional night, one thing was clear: Toni Kroos will forever be remembered as one of Real Madrid’s greatest legends.
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FAQs about Toni Kroos’ Farewell to Real Madrid
1. Who is Toni Kroos?
- Toni Kroos is a German professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Real Madrid for ten years.
2. When did Toni Kroos join Real Madrid?
- Toni Kroos joined Real Madrid in July 2014 from Bayern Munich.
3. What was the occasion of Toni Kroos’ farewell?
- Toni Kroos’ farewell took place during his final home game at Santiago Bernabeu, marking the end of his career with Real Madrid.
4. How many trophies did Toni Kroos win with Real Madrid?
- Toni Kroos won more than 20 major trophies with Real Madrid, including four European Cups (Champions League titles).
5. How many appearances did Toni Kroos make for Real Madrid?
- Toni Kroos made 464 appearances for Real Madrid.
6. Why was Toni Kroos’ final game emotional?
- The game was emotional because it marked the end of a decade-long successful career with Real Madrid, and Kroos and his family shared heartfelt moments with the fans and teammates.
7. What was the result of Toni Kroos’ final home game?
- The game ended in a goalless draw against Real Betis.
8. Did Real Madrid win the La Liga in Toni Kroos’ final season?
- Yes, Real Madrid finished the season as La Liga champions.
9. How did the fans at Santiago Bernabeu honor Toni Kroos?
- Fans held up a giant flag with Kroos’ face and the words “Thank you, legend,” and gave him standing ovations.
10. What special moment happened during the 85th minute of the game?
- In the 85th minute, Kroos was substituted, received a standing ovation, and embraced his crying children on the sidelines.
11. Who were Toni Kroos’ children present at the farewell?
- His children, Leon, Amelie, and Fin, were present and shared the emotional moment with him.
12. What did Toni Kroos say in his farewell speech?
- Kroos thanked Real Madrid fans, the club, and his teammates for making him feel at home during his 10-year tenure.
13. How did Toni Kroos react to seeing his children during the farewell?
- Kroos admitted that seeing his children crying on the sidelines was the most emotional part for him and made him break down in tears.
14. What did Real Madrid’s manager do in the final game?
- Manager Carlo Ancelotti used the game as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
15. What message did Toni Kroos convey to the fans?
- Kroos expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support and called the ten years at Real Madrid unforgettable.
16. What did Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal say about the incident?
- This seems to be an unrelated question to Toni Kroos’ farewell. Please clarify or correct.
17. What is next for Toni Kroos after his retirement from Real Madrid?
- Toni Kroos plans to retire after the European Championship held in his home country, Germany.
18. What was the reaction of Real Madrid’s teammates to Kroos’ farewell?
- Teammates formed a corridor wearing his number eight jersey, showing their respect and admiration for Kroos.
19. How did the fans and players react after the final whistle?
- After the final whistle, Kroos, his family, and teammates did a lap of honor as the fans serenaded him for almost 30 minutes.
20. What were some key highlights of Toni Kroos’ career at Real Madrid?
- Some highlights include winning four European Cups, multiple La Liga titles, and being considered one of Real Madrid’s most successful players in history.