Toni Kroos is lofted onto the shoulders of his Real Madrid teammates after winning the Champions League in his final club game. PA
Toni Kroos is lofted onto the shoulders of his Real Madrid teammates after winning the Champions League in his final club game. PA
Toni Kroos is lofted onto the shoulders of his Real Madrid teammates after winning the Champions League in his final club game. PA
Toni Kroos is lofted onto the shoulders of his Real Madrid teammates after winning the Champions League in his final club game. PA

'Legend of the club': Toni Kroos receives fitting Real Madrid farewell with European glory


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Toni Kroos brought down the curtain on a glorious club career in fitting style by entering the history books with his sixth Champions League win on Saturday.

Kroos played a pivotal role as Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium for the club's record-extending 15th European Cup. The German, alongside teammates Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Luka Modric, joined Madrid legend Paco Gento as the most decorated players in European Cup history.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said that the door remains open should the 34-year-old midfielder reconsider his decision to retire after representing Germany at Euro 2024 on home soil. Kroos announced his shock decision to retire last month.

In a rare display of emotion, the usually unflappable Kroos punched the air and pointed to the Madrid club crest when he was replaced by his long-time midfield partner Modric with just a few minutes remaining at Wembley.

"He's finished at the top. It is not possible to go out better," said Ancelotti. "He is a legend of this club and obviously we all thank him for what he has done. Not just in his play but his attitude, his professionalism. He never missed a day in these 10 years. We hope he changes his mind; we are here if he does."

Kroos' Champions League journey ended where it began, with a victory over Dortmund at Wembley. He was a Bayern Munich player when they won the competition at the home of English football in 2013, though injury kept him from featuring in the final.

After helping Germany win the World Cup in Brazil, Kroos joined Madrid in 2014 and became part of a generation that heralded a second era of European dominance for the Spanish giants.

Gento was part of the Madrid side that won the first five European Cups from 1955 to 1960. Real have won six Champions Leagues in the past 11 seasons, with Kroos featuring in five of those triumphs.

"I'll miss this," said Kroos. "Of course, I wanted to say goodbye with this Champions League victory. The title means an unbelievable amount to me."

  • Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti celebrates after his team's victory over Bourrussia Dortmund in the Uefa Champions League at Wembley stadium in London on June 1, 2024. PA
    Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti celebrates after his team's victory over Bourrussia Dortmund in the Uefa Champions League at Wembley stadium in London on June 1, 2024. PA
  • Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham celebrate after Real Madrid win the Uefa Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in London. PA
    Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham celebrate after Real Madrid win the Uefa Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in London. PA
  • Ferland Mendy, Jude Bellingham and their Real Madrid teammates celebrate in front of the supporters. PA
    Ferland Mendy, Jude Bellingham and their Real Madrid teammates celebrate in front of the supporters. PA
  • Jude Bellingham with his mother Denise Bellingham and brother Jobe following Real Madrid's Champions League triumph. PA
    Jude Bellingham with his mother Denise Bellingham and brother Jobe following Real Madrid's Champions League triumph. PA
  • Jude Bellingham lifts the Champions League trophy in front of the fans. AFP
    Jude Bellingham lifts the Champions League trophy in front of the fans. AFP
  • Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric kisses the trophy after winning the Champions League for the sixth time in his career. AP
    Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric kisses the trophy after winning the Champions League for the sixth time in his career. AP
  • Toni Kroos is lifted on his Real Madrid teammates' shoulders after winning the Champions League in his last club game. PA
    Toni Kroos is lifted on his Real Madrid teammates' shoulders after winning the Champions League in his last club game. PA
  • Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez lifts the Champions League trophy. PA
    Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez lifts the Champions League trophy. PA
  • Borussia Dortmund players after losing the Champions League final to Real Madrid. PA
    Borussia Dortmund players after losing the Champions League final to Real Madrid. PA
  • Vinicius Junior scores Real Madrid's second goal past Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. AFP
    Vinicius Junior scores Real Madrid's second goal past Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. AFP
  • Vinicius Junior watches the ball head for the goal to score Real Madrid's second goal. Getty Images
    Vinicius Junior watches the ball head for the goal to score Real Madrid's second goal. Getty Images
  • Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal scores Real Madrid's opening goal with a header. AFP
    Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal scores Real Madrid's opening goal with a header. AFP
  • Dani Carvajal celebrates with Nacho Fernandez after scoring the opening goal for Real Madrid. AFP
    Dani Carvajal celebrates with Nacho Fernandez after scoring the opening goal for Real Madrid. AFP
  • Real Madrid players begin the trophy celebrations after winning the Champions League. Getty Images
    Real Madrid players begin the trophy celebrations after winning the Champions League. Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, Kroos was at the heart of the action as Madrid wrestled control away from Dortmund after a dreadful first half from Ancelotti's men. The Spanish champions were fortunate not to trail at half-time as Karim Adeyemi and Niclas Fuellkrug missed big chances for Dortmund.

"The first half really wasn't good from us," Kroos said. "Then we got into the game better and scored the goal. We were fully there and the better team, but it took a long time until we were the better team tonight."

Kroos began to turn the screw as he completed the most passes and had the most touches of any player on the Wembley turf. A trademark free-kick destined for the top corner was turned away by Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, denying him a farewell goal.

However, he still played a decisive role as it was from Kroos' corner that Carvajal rose highest to power home the crucial opening goal. Vinicius Junior quickly added a second, igniting the Madrid celebrations and allowing Kroos a standing ovation from the traveling fans from Spain.

More glory could be in his swansong after he ends his international exile to return for Germany at Euro 2024. Kroos, who stepped down from international duty after Germany's last-16 Euros exit to England in 2021, has answered the call from manager Julian Nagelsmann to return for one last major tournament.

But he has fulfilled his ambition to bow out on his own terms at the pinnacle of club football.

Monster

Directed by: Anthony Mandler

Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., John David Washington 

3/5

 

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Essentials

The flights

Etihad (etihad.ae) and flydubai (flydubai.com) fly direct to Baku three times a week from Dh1,250 return, including taxes. 
 

The stay

A seven-night “Fundamental Detox” programme at the Chenot Palace (chenotpalace.com/en) costs from €3,000 (Dh13,197) per person, including taxes, accommodation, 3 medical consultations, 2 nutritional consultations, a detox diet, a body composition analysis, a bio-energetic check-up, four Chenot bio-energetic treatments, six Chenot energetic massages, six hydro-aromatherapy treatments, six phyto-mud treatments, six hydro-jet treatments and access to the gym, indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Additional tests and treatments cost extra.

Six tips to secure your smart home

Most smart home devices are controlled via the owner's smartphone. Therefore, if you are using public wi-fi on your phone, always use a VPN (virtual private network) that offers strong security features and anonymises your internet connection.

Keep your smart home devices’ software up-to-date. Device makers often send regular updates - follow them without fail as they could provide protection from a new security risk.

Use two-factor authentication so that in addition to a password, your identity is authenticated by a second sign-in step like a code sent to your mobile number.

Set up a separate guest network for acquaintances and visitors to ensure the privacy of your IoT devices’ network.

Change the default privacy and security settings of your IoT devices to take extra steps to secure yourself and your home.

Always give your router a unique name, replacing the one generated by the manufacturer, to ensure a hacker cannot ascertain its make or model number.

Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

Family reunited

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was born and raised in Tehran and studied English literature before working as a translator in the relief effort for the Japanese International Co-operation Agency in 2003.

She moved to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies before moving to the World Health Organisation as a communications officer.

She came to the UK in 2007 after securing a scholarship at London Metropolitan University to study a master's in communication management and met her future husband through mutual friends a month later.

The couple were married in August 2009 in Winchester and their daughter was born in June 2014.

She was held in her native country a year later.

Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion

The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".

The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.

He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.

"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.

As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Porsche Taycan Turbo specs

Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors

Transmission: two-speed

Power: 671hp

Torque: 1050Nm

Range: 450km

Price: Dh601,800

On sale: now

Squid Game season two

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk 

Stars:  Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun

Rating: 4.5/5

Seven tips from Emirates NBD

1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details

2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet

3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details

4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure

5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs  (one-time passwords) with third parties

6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies

7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately

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The bio

Who inspires you?

I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist

How do you relax?

Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.

What is favourite book?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times

What is your favourite Arabic film?

Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki

What is favourite English film?

Mamma Mia

Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?

If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.  

 

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Updated: June 02, 2024, 9:48 AM