Toni Kroos: “Above all, that it’s ending like this with Madrid, that’s what I’ve always wanted.”
On Saturday evening, Real Madrid overcame Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium. However, while Los Blancos came out victorious, it would be the Black and Yellow’s dominating large sections of the final.
Regardless, the tide turned when a certain midfielder started taking control: Toni Kroos. Retiring after EURO 2024, the 34-year-old still appeared to be the most effective player on the pitch, claiming the assist for Real’s opening goal.
With a 97% pass completion rate as well as four chances created, as per Fotmob, he was the key figure in everything positive for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. On top of this, with a total of 108 touches, Kroos saw more of the ball than anyone else on the pitch, allowing him to dictate the game as Dortmund’s momentum began to fade.
Speaking to Sky Germany after the final whistle, Kroos explained his emotions after winning his sixth Champions League in his final appearance at club level:
“It’s been a few moments now. So I can put it into perspective a little better, but it’s still unbelievable. If someone had told me that I would win six Champions League titles, I wouldn’t have believed it. So it’s crazy. Above all, that it’s ending like this with Madrid—that’s what I’ve always wanted.”
The 34-year-old then turned his attention to the upcoming European championships in Germany. Despite his excitement for the tournament, he would remark that Germany are far from favourites to win the competition:
“It would be wrong not to enter the tournament with the aim of winning the European Championship. I think we have managed to turn the mood a little more positive. Nevertheless, in my eyes, we are far from being favourites. But it is a given in my mind: when I play in a tournament, I naturally want to win.”
Having just won his sixth Champions League title, it is a shame that Kroos’ career will come to an end, especially when it is clear to see how much quality he has left to give. However, winning EURO 2024 could offer the midfielder the perfect send-off.
GGFN | Will Shopland
