Real Madrid's legendary midfielder Toni Kroos bid farewell to the Santiago Bernabeu in his final La Liga appearance for the club on Saturday, as the Spanish champions played out a 0-0 draw against Real Betis.
Kroos, 34, announced his retirement from international football after Euro 2024, and his departure from Real Madrid marks the end of an illustrious 10-year spell at the Bernabeu. The German maestro has been an integral part of Real Madrid's success in recent years, winning five Champions League titles, three La Liga crowns, and numerous other trophies.
"It's not easy, I can only say thanks to Madrid, the club, my team-mates, to the stadium, I've always felt at home here in these 10 years, I can't ask for more, they've been 10 unforgettable years," said an emotional Kroos after the match.
The draw against Betis was a fitting end to a triumphant campaign for Real Madrid, who have already secured the La Liga title. Carlo Ancelotti fielded a strong side, but with nothing at stake, the players did not push themselves too hard.
Madrid finished the season with only one league defeat and were unbeaten at the Bernabeu. Atletico Madrid, fourth, finished their campaign with a 2-0 win at Real Sociedad, while Athletic Bilbao beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0.
Relegated Almeria earned only their third win of the season to move off the bottom of the table, thrashing Cadiz 6-1. Villarreal striker Alexander Sorloth limped off injured in his team's 1-1 draw against Osasuna, leaving the golden boot in the hands of Girona striker Artem Dovbyk, who scored a hat-trick on Friday to move to 24 goals, one ahead of the Norwegian.
Tags: #ToniKroos, #RealMadrid, #LaLiga, #Farewell, #Bernabeu
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