Pass master Kroos bows out in style as Champions League record holder

Toni Kroos brought down the curtain on a glorious club career in fitting style as he entered the history books by winning his sixth Champions League on Saturday.

Kroos played a key role as Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley.

The German, along with teammates Dani Carvajal, Nacho and Luka Modric joined Madrid legend Paco Gento as the most decorated players in European Cup history.

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said his door remains open should the 34-year-old have a change of heart after announcing the shock decision last month that he will retire after representing his country on home soil at Euro 2024.

The normally unflappable Kroos had a rare emotive outburst as he punched the air and pointed to the Madrid club crest when he was replaced by his long-time comrade Modric with just a few minutes remaining at Wembley.

“He’s finished at the top. It is not possible to go out better,” said Ancelotti.

“He is a legend of this club and obviously we all thank him for what he has done.

“Not just in his play but his attitude, his professionalism. He never missed a day in these 10 years. We hope he changes his mind, we are here if he does.”

Kroos’ Champions League haul ended where it began, by beating Dortmund at Wembley.

He was a Bayern Munich player when they won the competition at the home of English football in 2013, although injury prevented him from featuring in the final.

I’ll miss this’

Fresh from helping Germany to win the World Cup in Brazil, Kroos then joined Madrid in 2014 and has become part of a generation that has marked a second era of European domination for the Spanish giants.

Gento was part of the Madrid side that won the first five European Cups from 1955 to 1960.

Real have won six Champions Leagues in the past