Football

Toni Kroos, the German maestro, has etched his name into the annals of football history by winning his sixth Champions League title, a feat that places him among the most decorated players in the competition's illustrious history.Kroos's swansong at Real Madrid culminated in a fitting triumph as the Spanish giants defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium. The German midfielder played a pivotal role in the victory, orchestrating Madrid's midfield with his trademark precision and vision.Alongside teammates Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Luka Modric, Kroos joined Real Madrid legend Paco Gento as the most decorated players in European Cup history. The 34-year-old's exceptional career has been marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a remarkable ability to control the tempo of the game.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his admiration for Kroos, stating that his door remains open should the midfielder reconsider his decision to retire after Euro 2024. "He's finished at the top. It is not possible to go out better," said Ancelotti. "He is a legend of this club and obviously we all thank him for what he has done."Kroos's Champions League journey began at Wembley Stadium in 2013 when he was part of the Bayern Munich team that won the competition. However, injury prevented him from featuring in the final. After helping Germany win the World Cup in Brazil, Kroos joined Real Madrid in 2014 and became an integral part of a generation that has dominated European football.In his farewell match, Kroos was at the heart of Madrid's resurgence after a sluggish first half. His trademark free-kick was denied by Gregor Kobel, but he played a crucial role in Carvajal's opening goal. Vinicius Junior quickly added a second to seal the victory and allow Kroos to receive a standing ovation from the Madrid faithful.Kroos's retirement from international football after Germany's Euros exit in 2021 was short-lived. He has answered the call from manager Julian Nagelsmann to return for one last major tournament at Euro 2024.Toni Kroos's illustrious career has come to an end, but his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation will endure. His exceptional talent, unwavering professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the game of football.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has cautioned his players that the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund is the most "dangerous" match in football. The Italian, who has won the competition a record four times as a coach, emphasized that Los Blancos must approach the game with both excitement and trepidation.Despite being the record 14-time winners, Madrid are wary of the threat posed by the Bundesliga side. "A Champions League final is the most important game but also the most dangerous," Ancelotti said. "We have to enjoy being here, but knowing it can go wrong because we are close to the most important thing in football -- winning a Champions League -- but having the fear this can escape us."Madrid captain Nacho echoed Ancelotti's sentiments, admitting to feeling both confident and nervous. "We've got more nerves than in any other moment of the season," he said. "We're humans, it's a calm week for (some people) but for the players it's not. It's special, and that makes it not calm."Veteran midfielder Luka Modric, however, is approaching the match with a sense of parity. "Everyone thinks we are big favorites, but we don't think about it like that," he said. "It's 50-50, we're playing a big team that has had a magnificent season in the Champions League."Nacho, Modric, Toni Kroos, and Dani Carvajal could all reach six career Champions League wins with a victory over Dortmund, equaling the all-time record held by former Madrid great Paco Gento. "It was hard to imagine we'd get to this moment but we are here, very happy and enjoying this moment," said Modric. "I hope tomorrow we can take this step further, as a team and have six European Cups would be something big."Madrid's remarkable ability to turn games around in Europe was evident in their semi-final victory over Bayern Munich. "We prefer to take the lead if it's possible," said Modric. "But we've shown many times this year and before, that when things don't go well we fight until the end. We always find a way, we're capable of turning the game around. We keep having this mentality, this commitment and fight, but like I said, we'd prefer to take the lead."Ancelotti attributed Madrid's resilience to a combination of factors. "It's something special... it could be the history, the quality, the tradition, the character," he mused.The coach confirmed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois would start the final ahead of Andriy Lunin, resolving the main selection query ahead of the game. "Lunin had the flu and hasn't traveled with the team, tomorrow he will travel and will be on the bench -- Courtois will play tomorrow," said Ancelotti.

Kylian Mbappé's highly anticipated transfer to Real Madrid is set to become official early next week, according to sources close to the negotiations. The French superstar, whose contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires on June 30, has opted to join the Spanish giants after seven seasons in Paris.Mbappé's decision to leave PSG has been the subject of intense speculation for months, with Real Madrid emerging as the frontrunners for his signature. The 23-year-old forward has been a key figure for PSG, scoring 171 goals in 216 appearances and helping the club win four Ligue 1 titles and three Coupe de France trophies.However, Mbappé has long expressed his desire to play for Real Madrid, a club he has admired since childhood. The Spanish giants have been pursuing his signature for several years, and they are now set to finally land their man on a free transfer.If the move is announced as expected on Monday or Tuesday, Mbappé is unlikely to be presented in Madrid before the end of Euro 2024, which runs from June 14 to July 14. He is expected to remain with the France team, who are currently preparing for two Euro warm-up matches against Luxembourg and Canada.Mbappé's departure from PSG will be a significant blow to the French champions, who have relied heavily on his goals and creativity. However, the club is expected to receive a significant financial windfall from his transfer, which could be used to strengthen their squad in other areas.For Real Madrid, Mbappé's arrival will be a major boost to their attacking options. The Spanish giants have already signed Antonio Rüdiger on a free transfer from Chelsea, and they are also reportedly close to completing a deal for Monaco midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni.With Mbappé, Rüdiger, and Tchouaméni in their ranks, Real Madrid will be well-positioned to challenge for major honors next season. The trio will join a star-studded squad that already includes Karim Benzema, Vinícius Júnior, and Luka Modrić.

Vinicius Junior's meteoric rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. After enduring a challenging start to his Real Madrid career, the Brazilian winger has transformed into one of the most feared attackers in the world. Now, on the cusp of his second Champions League triumph, Vinicius has his sights set on even greater heights.Vinicius's journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and unwavering determination. Despite being ridiculed for his early profligacy, he remained steadfast in his belief and worked tirelessly to improve his game. The arrival of Carlo Ancelotti as manager proved to be a turning point, as the Italian tactician recognized Vinicius's potential and provided him with the confidence and guidance he needed to flourish.Under Ancelotti's tutelage, Vinicius has blossomed into a complete forward. He has developed a keen eye for goal, scoring 23 goals in each of the past two seasons. His versatility has also been a key factor in his success, as he has seamlessly adapted to playing as a central striker or on the wing.Vinicius's transformation has not gone unnoticed. He has become a fan favorite at Real Madrid and has earned the respect of his opponents. However, his rise to prominence has also been accompanied by a disturbing trend of racial abuse. Vinicius has faced numerous incidents of hate speech when playing away from home in Spain.Despite these challenges, Vinicius has remained composed and focused on his football. He has refused to let the abuse deter him and has instead used it as motivation to prove his worth. His resilience and determination are a testament to his character and his unwavering belief in himself.As Real Madrid prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, Vinicius is determined to make history once again. He is eager to add a second European Cup to his collection and cement his status as one of the greatest players in the world. However, for Vinicius, individual accolades are secondary to the team's success."I've never thought about (winning the Ballon d'Or)," said Vinicius. "The best thing that can happen this season is winning the Champions League."Vinicius's humility and team-first mentality are a reflection of his maturity and his understanding of the importance of collective achievement. He knows that his individual brilliance is only valuable if it contributes to the success of Real Madrid.As the countdown to the Champions League final continues, Vinicius is poised to make his mark on the biggest stage of club football. His journey from a raw talent to a world-class star has been an inspiration to many, and his story is far from over.

Borussia Dortmund's remarkable Champions League journey culminates in a daunting clash against the formidable Real Madrid in Saturday's final at Wembley Stadium. The Spanish giants, boasting an unparalleled 14 European Cup triumphs, are overwhelming favorites against a Dortmund side that has defied expectations to reach the showpiece event.Real Madrid's unwavering resilience has been a hallmark of their Champions League campaign. They overcame a relentless Manchester City in the quarterfinals on penalties and staged a dramatic late comeback against Bayern Munich in the semifinals. Their confidence is sky-high as they seek to cap a memorable season with another European crown.In contrast, Dortmund's domestic campaign has been less impressive, finishing fifth in the Bundesliga. However, they have reserved their best performances for the Champions League, topping a challenging group featuring Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan. They then eliminated PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid before a heroic defensive display against PSG in the semifinals.Dortmund's success has been built on a strong team spirit and the emergence of young talents. Jude Bellingham, who left Dortmund for Real Madrid last year, believes his former club has prepared meticulously for this moment. "They've played amazingly, the character and mentality they've shown in a lot of games," he said.However, Dortmund recognize the magnitude of the task ahead. Real Madrid's rich history and star-studded squad make them a formidable opponent. "Our goal is to win the Champions League," said Dortmund coach Edin Terzic. "And if you want to win the Champions League, you have to beat the champions."For Real Madrid, the final presents an opportunity for several personal milestones. Carlo Ancelotti could become the first coach to win the European Cup four times, while Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos could join Paco Gento as the only players to win the competition six times.The match will also be a test of UEFA's security measures after the chaos that marred the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. The English Football Association has invested heavily in improving safety and infrastructure to ensure a smooth and incident-free event.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has withheld Kylian Mbappe's April salary and a substantial bonus due to a financial dispute between the club and the player. Mbappe is set to leave the French champions at the end of the season, with Real Madrid reportedly his next destination.The decision to withhold Mbappe's salary stems from an agreement made last year, where the player agreed to waive part of a bonus due to him. However, sources close to the talks indicate that the discussions between the club and Mbappe remain "relaxed" and that there is hope for a positive resolution.The total amount of money owed to Mbappe is estimated to be around 80 million euros ($86.8m), including the unpaid salary and the bonus. PSG's decision to withhold these payments without prior notice or agreement has raised concerns.Mbappe's contract with PSG expires on June 30, and he has confirmed his departure after seven years at the club. The player had previously agreed to waive a significant bonus to be reinstated to the PSG squad after being frozen out at the beginning of the season.The total value of these bonuses is estimated to be between 60 and 70 million euros. Waiving this sum was seen as a way for Mbappe to help PSG recoup some money, given that they will not receive a transfer fee for his departure.However, sources indicate that Mbappe may have received the bonus in February. Mbappe signed a two-year contract with PSG in 2022, worth around 72 million euros before tax. Additionally, he received a signing-on fee of 150 million euros and a loyalty bonus of 70 million euros for the first year and 80 million euros for the second year.

Kylian Mbappé, the French football sensation, has expressed his desire to play for AC Milan, a club he has admired since childhood. While a move to Real Madrid remains the most likely destination for the 25-year-old, Mbappé's revelation has sparked excitement among Milan fans.Mbappé's admiration for Milan stems from his childhood, when he was an avid supporter of the Italian giants. "As a kid, I was a big fan of AC Milan and I always watch Serie A, every Milan game. All my family, massive Milan fan," he said.Despite Milan's recent struggles in Serie A, Mbappé remains open to the possibility of playing for the club in the future. "Italian football? You never know what happens," he told Sky. "I was always saying: if I will go to Italy one day, I will go to Milan."Mbappé's departure from Paris Saint-Germain is imminent, with his contract expiring at the end of the season. The French forward has enjoyed a remarkable spell at PSG, becoming their all-time top scorer with 26 goals. He has also won multiple Ligue 1 titles and the league cup.While Real Madrid is the frontrunner to sign Mbappé, Milan's history and tradition could prove to be a tempting proposition for the player. The Italian club has a rich history of success, having won seven European Cups and 19 Serie A titles.Mbappé's potential move to Milan would be a major coup for the club, which has been struggling to regain its former glory. The arrival of a world-class player like Mbappé could help Milan challenge for major trophies once again.

Real Madrid, the self-proclaimed kings of the Champions League, are poised to claim their 15th European crown against Borussia Dortmund in Saturday's final. However, the competition's future hangs in the balance as Madrid and Barcelona push for a breakaway European Super League.Dortmund, led by CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, have vehemently opposed the Super League, which would create a closed-shop league for Europe's elite clubs. An initial attempt to launch the league in 2021 failed due to widespread backlash.Despite their dominance in the Champions League, Madrid is concerned about the growing financial disparity in European football. State-backed clubs like Manchester City and PSG have emerged as formidable challengers, threatening Madrid's position as the competition's most successful club.Dortmund, with a wage bill significantly lower than Madrid's, has experienced firsthand the challenges of competing with these financial powerhouses. However, they have defied the odds, reaching the final after defeating PSG and Newcastle.Dortmund's managing director, Carsten Cramer, acknowledges the financial gap but takes pride in their competitive spirit. "We are competitive even though the tools and weapons we have are not the same ones the others have," he said.The Germans are aware of the significance of this rare final appearance, having lost the 2013 Champions League final to Bayern Munich. They may draw inspiration from Atalanta's Europa League triumph, proving that teams without vast budgets can achieve great things.Dortmund faces an uphill battle against the European giants, but they are determined to dethrone the kings and claim their first European trophy. The outcome of the final will not only determine the Champions League winner but also the future of European football amidst the Super League controversy.

Kylian Mbappe's illustrious chapter with Paris Saint-Germain came to a triumphant end as he bid farewell to the club with a French Cup triumph. The French superstar, whose contract expires this summer, expressed his pride in leaving with his "head held high" after PSG's 2-1 victory over Lyon in the final.Mbappe's departure has been widely anticipated, with Real Madrid heavily linked as his next destination. However, the 25-year-old remained tight-lipped about his future, stating that he would announce his decision "in good time.""I wanted to end things well with my club, with a trophy," Mbappe said. "I think there is a time for everything, and I will announce my future club in good time."Despite not scoring in the final, Mbappe leaves PSG as the club's all-time leading scorer with 256 goals in 308 appearances. His seven-year spell in Paris has been marked by six Ligue 1 titles, four French Cups, and two League Cups, as well as a Champions League final appearance in 2020.Mbappe admitted to feeling emotional ahead of the match, knowing that it would be his last for PSG. "With the protocol before a Cup final, you have a lot of waiting around and so there is a lot of time to think," he said. "You think and so all the memories start to come back. There is all the nostalgia, and the thought that in 90 minutes it will all be over."Despite the bittersweet nature of his departure, Mbappe expressed gratitude for his time at PSG. "There are only good memories and now I can go out with my head held high, with a trophy as well, so I will only remember the positives," he said.Mbappe will now join the France squad to prepare for Euro 2024, where he will undoubtedly be one of the key players for Les Bleus.