German former midfielder, Toni Kroos, has received the Premio Siete Estrellas (7 Stars of Sport Award) from the Madrid Regional Government at an event organized at the Real Casa de Correos and presided over by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Madrid Regional Government.
The former Germany international who drew the curtain on football at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, was recognised in the category of Best Male Athlete of 2023.
The awards reconize the work of the most successful athletes and the organisations that contribute most to the promotion of sport in the region.
Receiving the accolade, the German expressed his gratitude for the invitation and the award. He also thanked his teammates, coaches, the club and the people of Madrid.
Kroos said, he thought he would return to Germany immediately after his retirement, however, he now sees Madrid as his home.
According to the Club’s official website, Kroos said: “Thank you for the invitation and the award. I always saw myself as a team player, so I accept this award, but I have to thank my teammates, the coaches, the club, as well as the people of Madrid.
“Everyone welcomed us with open arms, and it’s important to feel comfortable to play well. When we arrived 11 years ago, we thought we would return to Germany when my time at Madrid was over, but every year we have felt more comfortable and now our home is here.
“I have found the club of my life here and also a home.”
Ayuso said, Kroos is being recognised “as the best male athlete a player who has won everything”, adding, the former player “represents a calm, intelligent, and brilliant way of understanding competition”.
Ayuso said: “Today, we recognise as the best male athlete a player who has won everything, a Madrileño from Germany. Beyond his trophy cabinet, Kroos represents a calm, intelligent, and brilliant way of understanding competition.
“Few players have been able to say goodbye at the top with the elegance of someone who has been the protagonist of an era and who leaves a mark that transcends generations.”
Toni Kroos moved to Real Madrid in 2014 and in the ten (10) seasons he featured for the club, he clinched 23 titles in 465 games: five (5) European Cups, five (5) Club World Cups, four (4) European Super Cups, four (4) LaLiga titles, one (1) Copa del Rey, and four (4) Spanish Super Cups.
He emerged one of only five players to ever have lifted six (6) European Cups, five (5) with Real Madrid and one with German Bundesliga club, Bayern Munich.
In 2014 in Brazil, Kroos was crowned World Kings with his country, Germany.
Photo: Toni Kroos takes a shot with his Premio Siete Estrellas from the Madrid Regional Government. X/Real Madrid C.F.
