By Jude Summerfield
Toni Kroos said an emotional goodbye to Real Madrid after he played in his final La Liga game at the Bernabeu on Saturday night.
The legendary German midfielder will retire from professional football after Euro 2024 and has just one more club game left for Los Blancos - the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund next week.
Kroos, who has won four league titles and four Champions Leagues with Madrid, was given a pre-match guard of honour by his teammates and Real Betis players before the goalless draw, while a massive tifo baring the words 'thank you legend' was erected in the stands.
The former Bayern Munich star played 87 minutes before being substituted to a standing ovation and breaking down in tears when embracing his daughter on the touchline.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the game, Kroos said: "It's not easy to talk, but I can only say thank you. To all of madridismo, to the club, to my teammates and to the stadium, I've always felt at home. I couldn't ask for more. It's been 10 unforgettable years.
"You come with a different feeling when you know it's the last game. But I told myself that I wanted to enjoy myself and I have done that in these 85 minutes, as I have always done when I've played here. It's so special. In the years to come, when I don't have that, I'm going to notice it.
"I was pretty strong up until the moment I saw my kids.
"It's a special team, I've always said it's a good group. Everyone has given me the respect I deserved. It's not just a group of good players, they're very good people. I've always felt very comfortable in this team."
Madrid's on-field attention will swiftly turn to next week's meeting with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium as the club bids to win a record-extending 15th title in the European Cup and Champions League.
Kroos added: "I wanted to make it official before this game so that, after tomorrow, we can forget about it. The best way to leave would be to win a title."
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Toni Kroos bids tearful goodbye to Real Madrid after final game at Bernabeu.
