Real Madrid fans and teammates paid tearful tribute to Toni Kroos on Saturday as the midfielder played his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu before retiring from football this summer.
Kroos – who announced his decision to retire this week – played 87 minutes of Madrid’s 0-0 La Liga draw against Real Betis.
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It was his penultimate match for the club, before the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1.
“It’s not easy,” Kroos, 34, told Real Madrid television. “I can only thank the Madrid fans, the club, my teammates and this stadium. I have always felt at home during these 10 years here. I couldn’t ask for more. It has been an unforgettable 10 years.”
The Germany international, who will represent his country at this summer’s Euros before retiring, received a guard of honor from both teams before the match, as fans behind one of the goals sported a tifo saying “thanks, legend.”
Kroos took the captain’s armband for the evening and his Madrid teammates wore the “Kroos 8” jersey before kick-off.
“Obviously it’s a different feeling knowing it’s your last game,” he said. “I said I wanted to enjoy it and I did. I really enjoyed those 85 minutes, because I always loved playing here. You play every two weeks here, but it’s so special. I will realize it in the years to come, when I don’t have it.
Kroos was substituted in the 87th minute to another long ovation, and was later joined by his children on the pitch to receive further applause from the crowd.
“I was pretty strong until the moment I saw my children, they killed me!” he said, explaining his tears. “It’s a special team, it’s a good group. They’ve all given me the respect that I think I deserve. They’re not just good players, they’re good people.”
Kroos – who won 22 trophies with Madrid, including four Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles – will have the chance to add another trophy to his collection at Wembley next weekend.
“I wanted to make (my retirement) official before this match, so that from tomorrow we can forget about this topic,” Kroos said. “The best way to leave would be to win a trophy.”
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said it was a fitting tribute.
“It’s a big farewell for a legend, a player who did something extraordinary for this club,” Ancelotti told Real Madrid TV. “I think this is the farewell he deserves.
“(He’s) one of the greatest, who finished his career at the top. And let’s hope we can win the 15th (European Cup) next Saturday.”
Ancelotti admitted Madrid will have to adapt to life without Kroos next season.
“We’ll see,” he said in his post-match press conference, when asked what would change. “In terms of atmosphere, others have to take more responsibility. From a technical point of view, we may have to play more direct football, with players with more energy.”
