Thank you, Toni: 22 May 2024

The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name!

Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel,Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Felipejack.

I was not expecting this…

Yesterday news was all about a sad one. Real Madrid officially announced Toni Kroos will retire after the EURO. Kiyan has put it nicely: “The best passer in football history. A top-5 CM all time. Irreplaceable.”

Of all our legends that have left in the last years we are here together in MM, without a doubt, Kroos’ departure is the saddest one for me.

Modric’s message

“Dear Toni, it is difficult for me to write these words. The world of football is sad because a historical player is leaving, and I admit I’m also very sad. Friend, you are a legend of this sport and a legend of Real Madrid.

I have really enjoyed playing alongside you. It has been an honor to share the midfield of Real Madrid with you. You have qualities that make you a unique and special player, and there will no longer be another Toni Kroos.

Unforgettable European nights, titles, the magic of Bernabéu… we will never forget this golden era in the club of our lives. You have achieved everything but you still have one left. Together for 15.

I will miss you, friend.”

Fede’s message

“I guess when we were kids we all had an idol. The one we admired, the one we saw on TV and thought ‘I want to be like that’. And if we were children with a lot of imagination, we could dream that we were playing ball with that idol, which was distant, untouchable, difficult to reach. That boy was me.

That boy fulfilled his dream and played with the player he always had as an idol.

Today with a strange feeling and a lump in my throat, I know that that child would have liked to play with you ten more years, and so would I, Toni. Because I never stopped being that child who always admired you.”

And… it looks like Fede will wear the #8 next season.

The true reason is…

I knew it! Sorry, guys, I shouldn’t have written that two days ago:

“We know Toni Kroos won’t like the polo neck shirt LOL.”

Thank you, legend!