The curtain has closed on Toni Kroos’ remarkable club career, but not before he etched his name even deeper into Champions League history. In a fitting finale, Kroos helped Real Madrid secure their record-extending 15th European Cup trophy with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday.
Six UEFA Champions League Titles for Toni Kross
The 34-year-old German midfielder announced his retirement from club football earlier this year, targeting Euro 2024 with Germany as his final international swansong. That meant the Champions League final was his last chance to add another chapter to his legendary story with Real Madrid.
Kroos did just that, and in spectacular fashion. He played a pivotal role in the victory, setting up Dani Carvajal for the opening goal. The icing on the cake came when he was substituted late in the game, receiving a thunderous standing ovation from the Wembley crowd.
This win cemented Toni Kroos’ legacy, placing him alongside Real Madrid legends like Paco Gento and current teammates Carvajal, Luka Modric, and Nacho – all with a staggering six Champions League titles to their names.
An unbelievable achievement for Toni Kross
Still in disbelief at the magnitude of his accomplishment, Toni Kroos spoke to CBS after the match: “Amazing. Six titles in the Champions League is crazy, something I never thought I’d achieve.”
Kroos’ first Champions League victory came with Bayern Munich in 2013, ironically against Dortmund at the same Wembley Stadium. However, his move to Real Madrid saw him add a staggering five more titles to his collection.
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Magic of Real Madrid in Champions League
Toni Kroos acknowledged the unique atmosphere at Real Madrid when it comes to Europe’s biggest club competition. “It seems in these games, we are unable to lose,” he said. “You don’t lose finals. That’s a good base to have I guess.”
He further explained the secret sauce of Real Madrid’s success: “It comes about because of quality, of course, but the mentality is crazy. It’s a lot of believing. It’s what separates this club from others.”
Kroos’ retirement plan – to end his club career with a Champions League win – might have seemed audacious, but for a player of his caliber, it was a fitting finale. As he bids farewell to club football, one thing remains certain: Toni Kroos’ legacy as a Champions League legend is forever secured.
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