- The Real Madrid midfielder said goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday
- Toni Kroos cut an emotional figure as he played his final LaLiga match for Madrid
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Toni Kroos was left in tears as he said his final goodbyes at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, with players and fans giving the midfielder an emotional farewell.
The Germany international will end his glittering career at the end of the upcoming European Championship, with his last club match being the Champions League final next week.
Only a few thousand people turned up for Kroos’ unveiling when he signed from Bayern Munich for just £20 million in 2014, turning down Manchester United at the time to move to the Spanish capital.
However, the entire stadium was packed to bid farewell to the 34-year-old for the final LaLiga match of the season, with Madrid drawing 0-0 against Real Betis having already been crowned champions.
During his decorated tenure at the club, Kroos has won four league titles, the Copa del Rey, four Supercopa de Espanas, three UEFA Super Cups, five Club World Cups and an impressive four Champions League trophies, with a fifth European title. title looms in the distance.
Toni Kroos was emotional as he said goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening
Kroos was given a guard of honor by his Madrid teammates and Real Betis players before the match
All his silverware achievements in Madrid were also showcased by the club
A huge tifo was placed in the stands of Santiago Bernabeu with the words ‘thank you legend’
Kroos looked stunned as he entered Madrid’s new state-of-the-art stadium before kick-off as his teammates and Real Betis player formed a guard of honor for him as a tifo was erected in the stands.
A huge Kroos banner was erected with the words ‘thank you legend’ and the number 22 on the design, in relation to the titles he won with the Spanish giants.
All of his silverware achievements in Madrid were also put on display by the club, with Kroos posing with the plethora of trophies before kick-off.
The former World Cup winner played 87 minutes of the goalless draw before being substituted so he could receive a standing ovation from the crowd.
Kroos was overcome with emotion as he picked up his daughter in the dugout after she was substituted, with the pair sharing a heartbreaking embrace as they broke down in tears.
Some of Kroos’ former Madrid colleagues were also on hand to cheer on his sensational career at the club, including Isco in the stands.
Kroos and his daughter burst into tears as he completed his final performance in Spain
The Germany international was thrown into the air by his Madrid teammates at the end of the match
It all proved too much for the usually steely Kroos, as he was accompanied on the field full-time by his family, just like his family.
He occupied the center circle with his two sons and daughter as Madrid stars and the club’s supporters turned the stadium into a cacophony of noise to celebrate one of their legends.
Tributes from his teammates then poured in online, with Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois posting on X: ‘It was a very exciting day, especially to see a legend say goodbye to his home. You deserve it.’
Kroos will make his final appearance in Madrid this weekend when the Spanish giants travel to Wembley for the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.