Toni Kroos received the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany on Thursday, during a ceremony held in the presidential box at the Bernabéu. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, decorated the Real Madrid and world football legend at the stadium in an event attended, among others, by Real Madrid honorary president José Martínez Pirri; director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueño; coach Xabi Alonso; players Federico Valverde, Antonio Rüdiger, Sara Däbritz and Merle Frohms; as well as club legends Roberto Carlos, Álvaro Arbeloa and Santiago Solari.

Below is the speech delivered by Florentino Pérez, who opened the ceremony:

“Good evening and welcome to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. It is a great honour to host at our home the President of the Federal Republic of Germany and the entire delegation from this wonderful country, which is so highly valued and loved by all of us. Welcome to this stadium, which in recent years has undergone a historic transformation in order to remain one of the great temples of world football.

“Mr President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, I would like to express our gratitude for choosing the Bernabéu as the venue to honour one of the greatest legends in our club’s history – our dear Toni Kroos.

“For us, Toni Kroos is a role model for the values that Real Madrid represents all over the world. Over the 10 seasons in which he wore our shirt, he was an example of hard work, dedication, overcoming adversity, humility, respect and solidarity. He also contributed to something very important – he helped strengthen the bond that unites our two countries: Germany and Spain. Toni Kroos earned the affection and admiration not only of madridistas, but of all Spaniards. At the same time, he has been a magnificent ambassador for Germany, someone of whom everyone can be very proud.

“We are all especially moved today, given the significance of the honour he is receiving from the president of his country. The Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany is being bestowed on a true gentleman of sport. Those of us who have had the privilege of watching his style of play know that we have been lucky enough to admire one of the greatest footballers in history.

“Toni Kroos is one of only five players to have won six European Cups. With Real Madrid he has lifted 23 trophies: five European Cups, five Club World Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and four Spanish Super Cups. He also made history at Bayern Munich, where he won 11 trophies: one European Cup, one Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, three Bundesliga titles, three German Cups and two German Super Cups. As we all know, he became a world champion with Germany at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. For his country he played 91 matches and scored 17 goals. He also received the Golden Ball as best player at the U-17 World Cup and was named in the FIFA World XI on three occasions. As a symbol of professionalism and commitment, he became one of the most respected and well-liked players in the game – even by his opponents.

“Toni Kroos ended his career at the very top, becoming a European champion with Real Madrid at the iconic Wembley stadium and then representing Germany at the most recent European Championship. He stepped away from the pitch with 35 trophies to his name and will forever remain in the hearts of madridistas, German fans and the vast majority of football supporters around the world.

“Real Madrid has a special emotional bond with Germany, because over our 123-year history many German players have left their mark on our club. From the legendary Walter Rozitsky, who played here in 1913, right up to today, 11 German players have represented Real Madrid. Alongside Toni Kroos, they are Netzer, Breitner, Stielike, Schuster, Illgner, Metzelder, Özil, Khedira and Rüdiger. All of them brought character and talent, earned the affection of the madridistas and our gratitude and admiration.

“Dear Toni Kroos, we are immensely proud of you and delighted that you are receiving this honour from your country here at this stadium, which was a place of happiness for you. Here you thrilled us with unforgettable football. You won the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of watching you play. I want you to know that, as president of Real Madrid, I consider it an honour that you were with us during one of the greatest eras in our club’s history. Today you are receiving recognition from your country, and at the same time you will forever have our affection and admiration.

“Congratulations – your career is, and will continue to be, an example for all future generations. Thank you for everything you have given to Real Madrid. Thank you as well for your charitable work through the foundation you created with your wife Jessica 10 years ago. We are all grateful for the work this foundation does for seriously ill children.

“Dear Toni, congratulations on such an important honour. You know that Real Madrid is, and always will be, your home. Thank you very much.”

Toni Kroos said:

“I’ve looked at the list of people who have received this decoration before me, and it is something truly special – both to receive it and to be given it in this place. My sporting achievements are not the only reason I’m being honoured today, but if there is one venue that is right for this ceremony, it is this stadium, which has been my home for the past 10 years. It is an incredible feeling to walk out here, where I experienced the best moments of my career as a footballer.

“Passing on the right values is a responsibility, and it is something I have been doing for a long time. My foundation has existed for 10 years now and will continue to exist. This award is being given to a large extent because of the work of my foundation, and I would encourage other players that there is always room to increase their involvement in social causes.

“We have the opportunity to help wherever we can and those who are less fortunate. I will share this decoration with the team that, with great passion, maintains direct contact with the families we support. Success depends on the whole team – something I learned in football. My wife is deeply involved in helping these families. I accept this award on behalf of my team and I am happy to be part of the group of people who have received it. It is a motivation to keep working,” Kroos said.