Toni Kroos made his retirement dream a reality by delivering one last trophy for Real Madrid. The 34-year-old significantly contributed with an assist in the final against Borussia Dortmund. Overwhelmed with joy, Kroos was seen in tears while celebrating the Champions League victory with his teammates. Due to his remarkable contributions, he was inducted into the ranks of Real Madrid's greatest legends. In a significant move ahead of the Champions League final, the German midfielder announced his decision to retire at the end of the season, making the match against Borussia Dortmund his final appearance in a Real Madrid shirt. Kroos was determined to make his farewell a memorable one, aiming for a 15th Champions League title. Given his stellar performances this season, this dream seemed within reach as he remained a crucial part of Real Madrid's midfield. Kroos consistently delivered in pivotal moments for Los Blancos, notably during the semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich, where he set up a brilliant assist for Vinicius Junior. Club President Florentino Perez expressed his sorrow upon learning of Kroos' retirement, praising him as one of the finest players he had ever worked with. Perez also extended an open invitation for Kroos to return to the club in some capacity in the future. Ultimately, winning the title would fulfill Kroos' lifelong ambition of retiring at the peak of his career.
Toni Kroos' unwavering resolve to leave a lasting legacy quickly garnered widespread support. Every member of the Real Madrid team is committed to doing everything possible to secure the championship. Among them is Carlo Ancelotti, who is determined to orchestrate a memorable farewell. The Italian coach has vowed to put in every effort to bring home the trophy, ensuring Kroos retires with no regrets. Ancelotti even urged his players to give their all for this cause. Given their impressive track record, this goal is within reach. Real Madrid has been undefeated in their last eight Champions League final appearances. Moreover, Los Blancos have competed in 18 finals, suffering only four losses, boasting a winning percentage of 87%. The teams that managed to defeat Real Madrid in finals were Inter Milan, Benfica, and Liverpool.
On the flip side, Edin Terzic shares a similar ambition to Carlo Ancelotti. The German coach is eager to clinch the title, creating a cherished memory for Marco Reus. Like Kroos, Reus is also set to retire at the end of this season, marking the end of an illustrious career.
Carlo Ancelotti's strategy was perfectly executed in the final. He positioned Kroos as the central starter in midfield, alongside Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. This lineup enabled Real Madrid to dominate the game, achieving 64% possession in the first half. However, despite their limited possession, Dortmund posed more threats, with Karim Adeyemi and Niclas Fullkrug nearly putting Die Borussen ahead.
Toni Kroos turned the tide in the second half. His precise corner kick set up Dani Carvajal's powerful header, giving Real Madrid the lead. This setback shook Dortmund's confidence as they struggled to score. Meanwhile, Kroos continued to control the midfield, boasting a 97% pass accuracy and making four key passes. Real Madrid secured the championship with a 2-0 victory.
After the final whistle, Kroos was overcome with emotion, celebrating Real Madrid's 15th Champions League title. During the festivities, Ancelotti embraced Kroos, both shedding tears as they shared a poignant moment. The entire team was deeply moved as the 34-year-old lifted his final trophy for El Real, proud to have given such a beautiful farewell to the legend. Ancelotti couldn't help but lavish praise on the midfielder, even expressing hope that Kroos might reconsider his decision to retire.
Unfortunately, Carlo Ancelotti's hopes were quietly dashed by Toni Kroos, who remains resolute in his decision to retire after representing the German national team at Euro 2024. In the aftermath of the final, Kroos expressed his sadness about ending his career at Real Madrid, admitting it was a tough decision to part ways with Los Blancos.
With Kroos' departure, Real Madrid is actively seeking a replacement. They have reportedly set their sights on Florian Wirtz to fill the void left by The Sniper. However, acquiring the 21-year-old will be challenging, as Bayer Leverkusen has priced Wirtz at 150 million euros and is determined to keep him. Additionally, Real Madrid faces stiff competition from Bayern Munich for Wirtz's signature.
If the Wirtz transfer proves unattainable, Los Blancos might turn their attention to Joshua Kimmich. The 29-year-old midfielder, known for his precise passing and game control, mirrors Kroos' playing style. Real Madrid could benefit from Kimmich's desire to leave Bayern Munich. Versatile enough to play as a right wing-back, Kimmich offers flexibility in addition to his midfield prowess.
Beyond these German talents, Real Madrid has also been linked with Nicolo Barella and Rodri as potential successors to Kroos.
Toni Kroos' departure leaves a profound sadness at Real Madrid, as his immense contributions to the club are deeply felt. Over a decade, the Greifswald-born player helped secure 25 titles for El Real, including five Champions League trophies. In his 465 appearances, Kroos amassed 28 goals and 99 assists, solidifying his status among the club's greatest legends.
According to Marca, Kroos' contributions are unparalleled and his place among the club legends is well-deserved. His impact is comparable to icons such as Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Gonzalez, Ferenc Puskas, and Alfredo Di Stefano. Federico Valverde echoed this sentiment, stating that the title of legend is a fitting tribute to Kroos. Valverde praised his senior for leaving a lasting positive impression on younger players and expressed his determination to emulate Kroos' achievements.
Luka Modric shared a similar view, admitting that he would never find a player as exceptional as Kroos. Modric described their partnership as the most beautiful story of his career, highlighting the unique bond and incredible on-field chemistry they shared.
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