Football: Toni Kroos awarded the Federal Cross of Merit

Frankfurt (Germany), 27 Nov. (LaPresse) – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier awarded the Federal Cross of Merit to World Cup winner Toni Kroos. He presented the award to the former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid player at his former home ground, the Bernabéu Stadium in the Spanish capital. ‘As a midfielder, you were the heart of your team and you remain a driving force behind the friendship between Germany and Spain,’ Steinmeier said during the award ceremony. Steinmeier called Kroos a ‘living legend.’ But this is not only due to his extraordinary skills and sporting achievements. ‘It was also your friendly and balanced demeanour on and off the pitch that made you a role model for many young football talents and sports fans.’ And it was his social media posts that brought Germans and Spaniards closer together. ‘Sometimes in German and sometimes in Spanish, but always with humour and great respect.’ The Federal President also praised the former professional footballer’s social commitment. The foundation he established ten years ago supports children with serious and chronic illnesses and their families. In this way, it offers them quality of life and a sense of normality, above all joy and hope. ‘It is extremely special for me, not only to receive this award, but also to receive it here,’ Kroos said in a short speech after the ceremony. ‘This stadium has been my home for the last ten years and I believe it always will be.’ He added that it was here that he experienced the best period of his football career. He also shared the award with his foundation’s team. ‘In football, I have learned that success is almost always achieved as a team.’ Football is a ‘parallel world,’ Kroos pointed out. The foundation has ‘helped me to stay grounded.’ Kroos called on all footballers to commit themselves to helping others.