Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has passed the baton to his young teammate Federico Valverde during the club’s Champions League winning celebrations.
Madrid were recently crowned the champions of Europe for a record-extending 15th time against Borussia Dortmund. After winning a sixth crown himself, Kroos addressed thousands of fans who had gathered in the streets of Madrid to answer an impending question – Who would take Kroos’ number 8 short after his retirement?
Football media outlet 433 has now shared the midfielder’s response in a video on Instagram. In the clip, Kroos says, “At the moment, my number 8 is free…I’m handing my number to this guy, Fede Valverde.”
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Federico Valverde was greatly touched by Toni Kroos’ incredible gesture. Upon hearing the German international’s revelation, a smile broke out on the young midfielder’s face. The Uruguay star then gave a warm hug to the midfield icon.
Valverde later gave his reaction to receiving his teammate’s iconic number. This is what he said as per Madrid Xtra – “My legs were trembling [when Kroos said I will get the 8]. I’m grateful for the time spent with Toni. It’s been amazing.”
️ Fede Valverde: “My legs were trembling [when Kroos said I will get the 8]. I’m grateful for the time spent with Toni. It’s been amazing.” pic.twitter.com/TsukjYztye— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 2, 2024
Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at the Wembley Stadium in England on June 2 to clinch the 2024 UEFA Champions League. It was Toni Kroos who opened things by setting up Dani Carvajal’s 74th-minute finish. Just nine minutes later, Jude Bellingham assisted Vinicius Junior in adding Madrid’s second.
The victory in England has now made Kroos one of only four players to win the Champions League crown six times. The other names include his club teammates Nacho Fernandez, Luka Modric and Carvajal.
Less than a month ago, Toni Kroos announced that he would be hanging his football shoes at the end of the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. This meant that the 2023-24 season would be Kroos’ last at Real Madrid. So, the German midfielder put a fitting end to his story with the Los Blancos by winning the Champions League, La Liga and the Super Copa de Espana titles.
In his career with Madrid, Kroos has donned the iconic white 465 times. In these appearances, the German has notched 28 goals and 99 assists. He leaves the Spanish capital with 22 trophies.
As for Federico Valverde, the Uruguay star made 54 appearances for Real Madrid this season. The 25-year-old added three goals and provided eight assists in these matches.
Having received Toni Kroos’ iconic shirt, it remains to be seen how Valverde fairs in the upcoming season with the Carlos Ancelotti-coached side.
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