There is no better way to say goodbye than to say goodbye as a champion. This Saturday, June 1, the Wembley field witnessed pure soccer history. In a final that was more even than expected, Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund by the slightest difference. This duel also served as a farewell to Toni Kroos, a generational talent who today said goodbye to club football.
The historic German midfielder started as a starter and came off as a substitute in the 86th minute, leaving his place for Luka Modric, another legendary figure in world football. During his exit from the pitch, the fans present at Wembley gave Kroos a standing ovation.
This is Kroos’ retirement as a club player, since his final retirement will take place once the German team’s participation in Euro 2024 ends.
Toni Kroos is given a standing ovation as he’s subbed off in his final match 👏🇩🇪pic.twitter.com/8ydsPFduEC
— LaLigaExtra (@LaLigaExtra) June 1, 2024
Before leaving the field, Kroos harangued the Real Madrid fans with an effusive gesture, which was captured by television cameras.
TONI KROOS SAYS GOODBYE! ICONIC! 🤍 pic.twitter.com/OjclZeY86Q
— TC (@totalcristiano) June 1, 2024
The German midfielder has a record that few can boast of. He retires from professional football with six Champions League titles on his resume.
Toni Kroos bows out of club football with his sixth Champions League title 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/lbbepyHGP3
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 1, 2024
At the title celebration, Kroos was seen especially emotional. In one of the most memorable postcards, David Alaba could be seen hugging his teammate and celebrating the title won at Wembley.
This hug from David Alaba to Toni Kroos
I’m crying a lot 🥹🥹🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/3bazWTM3R8
— REAL MADRID FANS 🤍 (@AdriRM33) June 1, 2024
In other images, the German midfielder was seen celebrating the title with the Real Madrid fans:
TONI KROOS with the Real Madrid fans. IM GONNA MISS HIM SO MUCH pic.twitter.com/qlAUVPegnp
— WolfRMFC (@WolfRMFC) June 1, 2024
Kroos could also be seen alongside Marco Reus, his compatriot, who said goodbye to Borussia Dortmund after this final.
🥲✨ I’m not crying, you’re crying!
Toni Kroos leaves Real Madrid.
Marco Reus leaves Borussia Dortmund.Legends. 🎩 pic.twitter.com/F6eq7nenis
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2024
Through their social networks, Real Madrid was very brief in their farewell to the German midfielder. The merengue club classified Kroos as “eternal.”
ETERNAL.#CHAMP15NS pic.twitter.com/6HPwSnBfpI
— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) June 1, 2024
Kroos was a fundamental piece for Real Madrid to win its 15th Champions League title in its history.
🏆 WE ARE THE #CHAMP15NS OF EUROPE! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/E2JJbJm7Vi
— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) June 1, 2024
#Real #Madrids #emotional #farewell #Toni #Kroos #Champions #League #final
