In early June, after winning his fifth Champions League with Real Madrid and his sixth on a personal level, Toni Kroos wrapped up his club career in style. In a conversation with Emilio Butragueño, who temporarily stepped down from his role as the club's institutional relations director to present the event, the German midfielder shared the secrets behind his success in the Spanish capital.

Confidence and Stability: The Keys to His Success

Kroos emphasized that his self-confidence has been crucial to his performance. "I'm not afraid, at least not in football. I have a lot of confidence in my qualities," he explained. The German never doubted his abilities, even during the challenging moments the club faced over the last decade.

 "I never doubted for a second in these ten years. Maybe I made mistakes at times, but I’ve always been clear that I was the best in midfield," he confessed. This confidence, combined with his skill, allowed him to form, alongside Luka Modric, one of the most feared and successful midfield partnerships of the past decade.

Madrid, His Home Away from Home

Even though he has been away from the field for almost a year, Kroos didn’t leave Madrid at the end of his career. The German, originally from Greifswald, a small town in northeastern Germany, found a new home in the Spanish capital.

 "The Real Madrid offered me a new home. I left my country for the first time with my family, my wife, and my 8-month-old son. And now I'm here with three kids, the oldest being 11 years old. We’ve found a home," he explained. This sense of stability and well-being in his personal life was key to maintaining his level on the field, consolidating his success both as a player and as a person.