“Winning the UCL would be the best way to leave” – Kroos reacts to his final game at Santiago Bernabeu | OneFootball

If only time would freeze in the 86th minute of Real Madrid’s clash against Real Betis last night.

After all, Kroos stepped off the grasses of Santiago Bernabeu 60 seconds later for the last time as a Real Madrid player.

The team’s clash last night was all about the German superstar, his family, fans and teammates who said goodbye to one of the finest players in history.

He will indeed play in the UEFA Champions League final, but never again at the Spanish capital.

Speaking to the media after the game, Kroos had nothing but words of appreciation for the tributes and honours he was showered upon on the night and the perfect farewell Los Blancos planned.

“The treatment of the club, the fans and the teammates [was special]. I have really enjoyed my last 85 minutes here.

“Very grateful to the club for this. I have tried to enjoy knowing that it would be my last day here. Playing in this field is very special. I’m going to miss it when I don’t have it,” he added on the occasion.

Not easy to say goodbye

Toni Kroos was given the guard of honour during his final league match. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking in his final post-match interview at the stadium, he went on to elaborate on how playing for the Merengues was a fairytale.

“It’s not easy to say something. I have felt at home these 10 years, it has been 10 unforgettable years. I can’t ask for more.”

“It’s a different feeling knowing that it’s the last game. I wanted to enjoy this last day and I have done it for the 80 minutes I have played.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing here, it’s very special and I’m going to miss it,” he added, clearly touched by the weight of the occasion.

Kroos then revealed that while he was emotionally prepared, the reaction of his children made him weak in the knees.

“I have stayed strong but my children have killed me.”

Played for a very ‘special team’

Toni Kroos was heartbroken by the reaction of his children. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Showering praise on the staff, the personnel behind the scenes and his teammates in the dressing room, the departing legend said,

“This is a very special team.

“In addition to being good players, they are good people, they are a good group, they have always shown me the respect that I think I deserve and I have felt very comfortable.”

Finally, he revealed what the dream retirement scenario would be for him, giving his teammates an objective for the coming UCL final.

“I wanted to make it official before this game so that this issue will be forgotten from tomorrow. Winning the Champions League would be the best way to leave.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo