Real Madrid fans and teammates paid tribute to a tearful Toni Kroos on Saturday as the midfielder played his last game 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 LaLiga draw with Real Betis.
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It was his second-to-last game for the club, ahead of their Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1.
“It isn’t easy,” Kroos, 34, told Real Madrid TV. “I can only say thank you to Madrid fans, the club, my teammates, and this stadium. I’ve always felt at home in these 10 years here. I couldn’t ask for more. They’ve been 10 unforgettable years.”
The Germany international, who will feature for his country at this summer’s Euros before retiring, received a guard of honour from both teams ahead of the game, as fans behind one of the goals displayed a tifo saying “thank you, legend.”
Kroos took the captain’s armband for the evening, and his Madrid teammates wore ‘Kroos 8’ shirts before kick-off.
“Obviously it’s a different feeling when you…
