Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos elated after receiving the highest award in Germany – ‘Very special thing’ | OneFootball

Last night was a special one at the Santiago Bernabeu for the venue had a special guest in Toni Kroos, and for a very special reason.

The former player, on the night, was formally handed the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for all his contributions to the game, especially as a pioneer taking forward grassroots development and combining it with social upliftment.

The award is considered the highest tribute that Germany pays to individuals for their exemplary service to the nation, and was handed directly by the President of Germany last night.

Toni Kroos happy and proud

Speaking after being handed the special award on the night, the Real Madrid legend commented on how it was a great privilege for him to win such a prestigious award.

“I am very happy. I have received several awards in my career, but this is the biggest you can receive in Germany.”

“I looked into the previous winners of this award, and it’s a very special thing to receive it, especially here,” he added.

“Sporting achievements are not the only reason for receiving it, but if there is one place for an award ceremony, it’s this stadium, which has been my home for the past ten years,” he said on the venue being the Santiago Bernabeu.

Kroos also remembered the memories that rushed to his mind when he entered the stadium again.

“It’s a special feeling to come here, where I lived my best moments as a footballer.”

Kroos then spoke about his academy, which has done exceedingly well in recent times and credited it as one of the primary reasons for him winning the award.

“It’s a responsibility to pass on values, and I’ve been doing that for a long time. My foundation has existed for ten years and will continue to do so.”

“The greatest credit for this award goes to the work of my foundation, and I advise other football players that it’s always possible to strengthen their commitment to the community,” he added.

Kroos then dedicated the award to teams that work with the lesser privileged families that they look to help.

“We have the opportunity to help the less fortunate whenever possible. I will share this award with the team that passionately maintains direct contact with the families we help.”

“Success depends on the entire team, as I learned in football. My wife is deeply committed to these families. I accept this award on behalf of my team. It motivates me to continue the work,” he added.

Kroos then spoke about how he was pleasantly surprised to see his former teammates in attendance for the event – something he did not expect.

“I knew that Florentino Perez and the president of Germany were going to be there, but I didn’t know that my former teammates were going to be there.”

“Not even Antonio [Rudiger], who is a good friend, has told me. It was a surprise and it makes me happy to know that he had good colleagues and good people,” he added.

Finally, the club legend opened up on his departure from the club and how he remembered his farewell from Real Madrid.

“It was spectacular all day. Weeks before I already said that I wanted a goodbye at the Bernabéu when we didn’t play anything and that please we were already champions to be able to enjoy it.”

“That’s how it was and from the moment I left home until I came back, I enjoyed it. What they prepared for me, the affection of fans, teammates, the president, the coach – It was special,” he concluded.