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After making his 309th appearance for the club against Real Valladolid, Toni Kroos became the German player with most appearances for the club, surpassing the legendary Uli Stielike. The central midfielder has been one of the most important players at the club since his arrival in the summer of 2014. With each year, his legacy grows stronger and the German will go down as one of the greatest to ever play for the club. Kroos has become a symbol for the club and in an interview with Real Madrid TV, he reiterated his desire to retire at the club.
“My idea, and it’s what I have always said, is to retire here — that’s what I intend to do,” Kroos affirmed. The German’s contract expires in two years, 2023, and he has shown no signs of decline despite turning 31-years-old in January.
The interview with Real Madrid TV was extensive and Kroos recalled memories from his debut, the Duodecima, his favorite title, the “Olimpico” scored against Valencia, and his relationship with Sergio Ramos.
Debut
“I arrived after becoming champion of the world with Germany in the summer of 2014. The first game and it was a first title. The European Super Cup. That is not normal. To begin like that in a club like Real Madrid was important. Florentino told me afterwards that he had the feeling that it wasn’t my first game with the team, it felt like I had been there for years.”
La Duodecima - the iconic applause upon being substituted
“It’s true that you don’t always see me like that, but it was for the fans, who always help us in games like those. I always think about living in the moment, I know we made history, and at the end of my career I will analyze, but for now I want more. This year we also have the possibility of winning the Champions League and I am concentrating on that.”
Favorite Title
“I will go with the Champions League title we won in Kiev because that was the first title that I could celebrate with all of my family. In Cardiff, it was only my son because my daughter was very young”
“Olimpico” goal vs Valencia
“I remember it very well. The rival goalkeeper was talking outside of his six yard box with his teammates. We always have about 5, 6, or 7 corner kicks per game and I thought that the moment was there to do something special”