Real Madrid star Toni Kroos got teary-eyed as he bid farewell to the Spanish club as he played his final home game at a sold-out Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday bringing a remarkable decade with the Spanish giants to an end.
The La Liga club marked a goalless draw with Real Betis.
The match also marked the German footballer’s 464 appearance and helped Real Madrid win over 20 major trophies including four European Cups.
He walked onto the pitch through a corridor formed by his teammates, who sported his number eight jersey while fans held up a giant flag with his face and the words “Thank you, legend”.
Kroos broke down after he was substituted in the 85th minute, receiving another standing ovation.
He embraced his three children who were crying on the sidelines.
The match was stopped for several minutes as Kroos hugged each of his team mates and his coach. After the final whistle, Kroos did a lap of honour with his family and team.
“I can only say thank you to all the Madridismo, to the club, to my team mates, to the stadium,” Kroos told reporters. “I’ve always felt at home during these 10 years. I couldn’t ask for more. They have been 10 unforgettable years.
“I was pretty strong until I saw my children, that moment killed me,” Kroos added.
