Toni Kroos has picked a surprise moment as his best from a decade at Real Madrid, opting for something other than one of his five Champions League triumphs with the club.

Kroos called time on his career in the summer, walking away following Germany’s quarter-final exit from Euro 2024. His last ever game in club football was the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, which also happened to the scene of his first of six career European titles in 2013 back when he was still a Bayern Munich player.

The midfield legend also won La Liga in his final season for the fourth time. But none of the trophies he lifted in Madrid colours can top his eventual farewell to the club.

“It’s difficult [to pick one standout moment], yes, but the farewell will always be in my heart,” Kroos explained to Marca.

The 34-year-old has detailed that he delayed informing Carlo Ancelotti, the club and his teammates about retiring until the final stages of last season when a La Liga title was already wrapped up.

His decision to hang up his boots was made public four days before Madrid concluded their domestic campaign at the Bernabeu against Real Betis. It was a game that doubled as his opportunity to say goodbye to fans, as well as theirs to thank for him for an incredible ten years.

“The day of Betis, with La Liga won, was very special, because I felt that 85,000 people went to the Bernabeu that day to see me, to say goodbye,” Kroos said.

“It was a very beautiful moment, simple, but heartfelt. I haven’t seen the moment replayed, but I have seen individual images and it was impressive. What I’m saying is, I’ve won a lot but I’ll always carry that moment in my heart.”

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