Real Madrid stalwart’s classy gesture ensured farewell appearance for departing teammate

It was a night of farewells at the Santiago Bernabeu when Real Madrid hosted Real Betis in their final La Liga match of the 2023-24 season. Toni Kroos played in front of his home crowd for the last time as a Los Blancos player ahead of his retirement this summer, but he wasn’t the only one waving goodbye.

Kepa Arrizabalaga will also be departing at the end of the season, with Real Madrid not taking up the option to sign him from Chelsea on a permanent basis. Despite being third-choice goalkeeper, the 29-year-old was afforded the opportunity to make his final appearance – which came from the bench with 30 minutes to go.

As per The Athletic, the impetus for Kepa to play actually came from Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian, who started the match, requested to Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff that he be replaced by the Chelsea loanee for the final 30 minutes, which was seen as a gesture of appreciation for the efforts that he has shown over the course of the season.

Kepa’s situation will be one to watch over the summer, as it’s highly unlikely that he will stay at Chelsea. One thing for certain is that he won’t return to Real Madrid, although he will have the nice memory of playing in his final home appearance to look back upon.

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