Real Madrid 0-0 Real Betis: Kroos bids emotional farewell in goalless affair

Toni Kroos said an emotional farewell to Real Madrid fans at a sold-out Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, as the German midfielder played his final home game after a remarkable decade with the Spanish club.

A goalless draw against Real Betis was largely irrelevant, with Real confirmed as LaLiga champions and all European qualification and relegation spots decided, so the evening was spent celebrating the 34-year-old Kroos.

Kroos, one of Real Madrid's most successful players, announced his retirement after 464 appearances and helping the club win more than 20 major trophies, including four European Cups, following this year's European Championship on home soil.

He fought back tears as he walked onto the pitch through a corridor formed by his teammates, who were dressed in his number eight jersey, while fans held up a giant flag with his face and the words "Thank you, legend" that covered the south stand.

Kroos burst into tears in the 85th minute after receiving another standing ovation as he was substituted, embracing his three crying children on the sidelines.

The game was paused for several minutes while Kroos hugged each of his teammates and coach. After the referee blew the final whistle, Kroos, his family, and teammates performed a lap of honour while the fans serenaded him for nearly 30 minutes.

"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.

Real finished first in LaLiga with 95 points, 13 points ahead of bitter rivals Barcelona in second. Next Saturday, they will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti used the game as a dress rehearsal for the Champions League final, fielding his probable lineup against Dortmund.

Real dominated, with Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr. missing good chances before Ferland Mendy's effort was cleared off the goal line.

Thibaut Courtois, making his fourth start after recovering from a serious knee injury, made two remarkable one-handed saves in the second half to deny Ayoze Perez and Juan Miranda from close range.

SportsLigue