Toni Kroos reflected on his remarkable achievement of winning six Champions League titles after concluding his club career with Real Madrid in a triumphant 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
Kroos, 34, had announced earlier in the year his decision to retire from club football after representing Germany in Euro 2024, making the Champions League final his farewell match in a Real Madrid jersey.
The veteran midfielder, who played a crucial role in setting up Dani Carvajal's opening goal before receiving a standing ovation upon being substituted, joined the ranks of Real legend Paco Gento, alongside current teammates Carvajal, Luka Modric, and Nacho, in securing a record six Champions League titles.
Expressing his astonishment at his personal milestone, Kroos described the feat as "crazy" and beyond his wildest expectations. In an interview with CBS, he remarked, "Six titles in the Champions League is crazy, something I never thought I'd achieve."
Kroos reminisced about his inaugural Champions League triumph with Bayern Munich against Dortmund at Wembley in 2013, highlighting the significance of the Spanish club's unique aura in European competition. He noted, "It seems in these games, we are unable to lose. You don't lose finals. That's a good base to have, I guess."
Reflecting on his final match and Real Madrid's ethos in Champions League encounters, Kroos emphasized the club's exceptional mentality and belief, which he believes sets them apart from others. He added, "It comes about because of quality, of course, but the mentality is crazy. It's a lot of believing. It's what separates this club from others."
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic expressed confidence that Jadon Sancho, despite the defeat in the final, would feature in another Champions League final in his career. Terzic praised Sancho's contributions during his loan spell at Dortmund and emphasized the player's happiness and impact on the team.
Despite Dortmund's dominant performance in the final, Terzic acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Real Madrid and commended his team's effort. He highlighted the small margins that separated the two sides and congratulated Real Madrid on their victory.
As the curtain falls on another thrilling Champions League campaign, the football world awaits the next chapter in the sport's illustrious history, with Juventus' decision to rejoin the European Club Association signaling a significant development in the ongoing saga of the proposed European Super League.
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