This feels like Zidane back in 2006. I hadn't had enough of my idol and his world cup right after got me questioning why he would decide to stop at such a high level. That 3-3 game vs Villareal had me CRYING. Riquelme got Zidane's last home game jersey. Unfortunately there is no one at this Betis team worthy of Kroos's.
Yeah, I’m in tears. Can’t believe he’s actually leaving. I’m still in shock tbh. He’s given absolutely everything for us, he’s been a model of professionalism and has been instrumental in our success for the last 10 years. Very fortunate to have seen him play. He’s one of those types of players that is unique and irreplaceable. Not felt like this since Zidane left.
Toni Kroos’ first UCL trophy came against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.Toni Kroos’ last UCL final is against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Circles. pic.twitter.com/fhHYAuXQla— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 26, 2024 Time to win it and fly into the sunset
This is what I mean with "leave from the front door" and not out of the back exit. This is how you leave this club.
It somehow hit the most out of all legends maybe because he is not just leaving, but leaving footbal.. Grande, Kroos!
Guys. I cried. I'm not gonna even hide it. I think this was the closest I ever saw Don Carlo close to crying. When he hugged Toni while substituting him off the pitch. Then Toni crying while holding his children, while the Bernabeu gave him an ovation. I just lost it. Such a moving tribute to our legend, Toni Kroos. I'm gonna miss his silky smooth passes. His precise longballs to switch flanks to Carvajal. His visionary passes to release a forward. His elegance and calmness. His leadership. This guy was the metronome of our team. The conductor to the Real Madrid orchestra that won 22 titles. Hopefully, InshAllah, about to be 23. What a man...what a player...what a legend.
It's because it is. Ramos did not leave in the best of terms. Kroos went out the front door giving everything to this team and being a distillation of pure Madridismo. This guy should have been born in a Madrid jersey. Despite having played for many other clubs, he is and always will be known as a Real Madrid player. Always walked the walk, and talked the talk. Kept it 100% with the club and fans, rarely looked out for anything except the best interest of the team. The guy is a unicorn in the modern game.
I actually cried during that match. Kroos doesn’t even know about my existence, this shouldn’t hurt me IRL to this extent but it does, am I crazy?
Yeah, this one hit me hard. It would feel better if I felt that he didn't have more to give to us, but he's retired at the top. I wasn't that bothered about Casillas, Guti, Marcelo, Benz, Varane, Casemiro Ramos, as I felt like they were (significantly) past their prime. Ronnie leaving after the CL final left a bad taste in my mouth, as I knew that he could've stayed on and won more with us.
Also there were talks of extending so it kind of hit hard also he went back to his NT which gave the impression he wanted more football, not less
Him going back to the NT was a bit of a red flag. Part of the reason he retired from the NT was because he no longer thought it was possible to be consistently a top player at the club and international level simultaneously at his age. As soon as he gave up the NT, his health/fitness improved. I was hoping it was just because the Euros were in Germany this year and he probably would not get another chance to play for the NT. He was basically having the best year of his career, like how could he retire now?
Florentino Perez with Kroos’ family. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/VzlHbWRjsu— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 26, 2024
If you see most of the photos, Toni's wife is smiling a lot bit squinting. Probably trying to hire tears. What a great family photo with grandpapa Florentino for Toni's kids!
I always talk about how we shouldn't be too emotionally attached to this, but in these cases, I think it's OK. Kroos is not a semi-illiterate, ego-driven, self-absorbed idiot like CR or Ramos. He is clearly an intelligent person, and we are more than allowed to feel sad about losing him, about football losing him.
There was one Kroos, and there will never be another one. Hope to always see him around and connected to the club.
Imagine missing out on a farewell like this to make money you won't even use in the Middle East. Kroos knows, and so does Luka.
FWIW a beautiful little family like that is priceless, Kroos already won at the game of life. I miss those days more than I'll ever miss football when I eventually stop playing. The sound of little feet running around the house. The laughing, the joy is the best thing life has to offer. Then they become teenagers. SMH
I'm honestly the opposite of people being sad. While the initial announcement hit me out of nowhere, I have to say I'm incredibly happy to see a guy exit the sport like this. Leaving before it's too late is a thing a lot of great athletes miss. You don't get a second chance at it.
I'm happy he didn't leave through the back door or as a shadow of his former self. But I'm deeply sad to see him gone. His skills and intelligence are irreplaceable.