Emilio Butragueño Praises Toni Kroos
Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid's director of institutional relations, highlighted that "very few players" have had a farewell like the one enjoyed by German star Toni Kroos at the Santiago Bernabéu against Betis.
"It was very emotional. Everyone was fantastic. The tribute they gave him, the way the substitution happened with Betis players being very respectful... I want to think that Toni felt one of the best nights of his life. He had a well-deserved send-off, and very few players have had a farewell like that. I'm very happy for him, he deserves it, his contribution has been extraordinary," he said to Real Madrid TV.
"Toni has been one of the best midfielders this club has ever had, and he deserves everything that's happening to him. The farewell was simple, authentic, natural, and very sincere from everyone. We'll miss him for his professionalism and leadership in the locker room, but life has these episodes, and everything has an end, and he decided it was now. It's very hard to forget this ending due to the affection from the stadium and his teammates," added the Spanish legend.
Butragueño also spoke about the upcoming UEFA Champions League final on June 1st against Borussia Dortmund.
"At the start of every season, the big goal is to make it to the Champions League final. We're in the final, and we have to win it. That's what we need to do. It's one of the most important matches in a player's career because it's hard to reach a Champions League final, and you need to make an extraordinary effort to win. Dortmund will be a very strong and dangerous opponent, but we have the utmost confidence in our players, their maturity, experience, unity, and talent. Hopefully, by Saturday night at this time, we'll be celebrating," Butragueño concluded.
