Toni Kroos will leave at the top, says Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti

MADRID – Real Madrid were lucky to be able to count on Toni Kroos for a decade, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on May 25, after the German bade an emotional farewell to fans in his final home game at a sold-out Santiago Bernabeu.

A well-loved figure in the dressing room, Kroos’ personality and character were praised by Ancelotti, who said that the 34-year-old midfielder will quit at the highest point of a great career.

“One of the greatest, obviously. A very high-quality midfielder, with a fantastic character, with a small ego, very humble and always at the service of the team. What luck to have had him for 10 years,” the Italian said.

“He has made a very strong decision (to retire), because nobody could have imagined it, but he has shown a lot of character and to say goodbye like that is great.

“It is the farewell of a great football character and, I repeat, we have been lucky to have him here. Football has enjoyed a great player.”

A 0-0 draw with Real Betis was largely irrelevant, with Real already confirmed as La Liga champions.

They face Borussia Dortmund on June 1 in the Champions League final, which will be Kroos’ last game for Real as they bid for a record-extending 15th European title.

“Hopefully, we can lift the Champions League trophy. It would be a great farewell to a legend,” Ancelotti added.

With the Betis match a dead rubber, the evening was all about celebrating Kroos, who received a guard of honour from his teammates before the game.

One of Real’s most successful players after making 464 appearances and helping them win 21 trophies – including four Champions League titles – the charismatic midfielder had announced that he will retire after the European Championship in Germany.

He fought back tears as he walked onto the pitch through a corridor formed by his teammates, who were wearing his No. 8 jersey as the home fans held up a giant flag with his face and the words “Thank you, legend”.

In the 87th minute, Kroos broke down in tears when, after receiving another standing ovation as he was substituted, he embraced his three children who were crying on the sidelines.

The game was stopped for several minutes as he hugged each of his teammates and Ancelotti.

After the referee blew the final whistle, Kroos, his family and the Real players did a lap of honour as the fans serenaded him for almost 30 minutes.

“I can only say thank you to all the Madridismo, to the club, to my teammates, to the stadium,” Kroos said.

“I’ve always felt at home during these 10 years. I couldn’t ask for more.

“They have been 10 unforgettable years. I was pretty strong until I saw my children, that moment killed me.” REUTERS