Champions League Kroos triumphs with Real
“Toni, Toni, Toni,” echoes through Wembley Stadium
Status: 00:03 | Reading time: 3 minutes
22 titles with Madrid – Toni Kroos is carried on Real’s hands
Source: dpa/Nick Potts
Toni Kroos ends his club career with his sixth Champions League title. The most successful German footballer in history plays a decisive role in the final against BVB. And after the final whistle, there is a reunion with ZDF reporter Nils Kaben.
When the number eight lit up on the board on the sidelines, Toni Kroos became emotional. The 34-year-old repeatedly jumped up on the halfway line and stretched both arms towards the Real Madrid fans. During his final meters in the Royal’s jersey, he repeatedly tapped the Real crest that was emblazoned on his jersey with his right hand.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti substituted him six minutes before the final whistle in the 2-0 win against BVB in the Champions League final. The national player hugged Ancelotti and his teammates on the bench. He held David Alaba in his arms for a particularly long time and for a long time.
Kroos says goodbye to Real Madrid with his sixth title in the Champions League. After 464 games and 22 titles for the Royals, the international player is ending his career – no German player is more successful than Toni Kroos.
Kroos holds the trophy in his hands for the sixth time
Source: dpa/Robert Michael
Kroos also played a decisive role in the victory against BVB. Real, who were the weaker team for more than 70 minutes, found their way back into the game thanks to Kroos’ dangerous set pieces. In the 74th minute, the midfielder hit a corner perfectly to the first post. Daniel Carvajal rose highest and headed the ball into the far corner to give Real a flattering lead. It was the preliminary decision, and BVB never recovered from the blow.
“There will be difficult moments”
After the game, Kroos cheered on the team and stood on the sidelines in front of the Real fans. Even afterward, chants of “Toni, Toni, Toni” echoed through the huge arena. “I wanted to say goodbye with this Champions League victory. That means an incredible amount to me. The decisive factor was that we didn’t concede a goal in the first half. After the goal, we were the better team. But that took a long time. There will be difficult moments. When you see this behind me, you’ll miss it. It’s not easy, I have to admit that,” Kroos said on ZDF.
It’s over – Kroos (l.) claps coach Carlo Ancelotti after being substituted
Source: dpa/Tom Weller
The interview with Nils Kaben went very smoothly. Unlike Real’s previous Champions League victory, when Kroos and the journalist had clashed. Following Real’s Champions League victory against Liverpool FC (1-0) in May 2022, Kroos was so upset by negative questions that he ultimately broke off the interview with Kaben on the pitch at the Stade de France – with the words, among others: “Well, you had 90 minutes to think of sensible questions, honestly. And then you ask me two stupid questions!”
At the beginning, Kaben asked Kroos whether he was surprised that Real Madrid had gotten into such trouble? After the triumph against BVB, the argument from two years ago played no role in the interview.
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Kroos still has a few opportunities to answer questions after games. After a short holiday, he will join the national team and prepare for the European Championship with the team. After the tournament, he will finally end his career.
