Modric was the man pulling the strings in midfield, and he was joined by Kroos mere weeks later, as the Germany international celebrated his World Cup win by signing at the Bernabeu.

The pair have orchestrated play since, winning La Liga, the Club World Cup and the Champions League four more times apiece. They’ve reached three more semi-finals in Europe’s premier competition, and are now in the final again.

German midfield legend Kroos to retire after Euro 2024

They take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, as heavy favourites to win the club’s 15th European title exclusively live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on June 1.

It will mark the last ever appearance in the all-white kit for Kroos, with the 34-year-old hanging up his boots this summer. Incidentally, his first Champions League victory came against Dortmund at Wembley, as a Bayern player in 2012/13.

Ancelotti – who has been responsible for three runs to the final over the last decade, with Zinedine Zidane overseeing the same number – now needs the younger members of his squad to continue the example set by Kroos and Modric.

The Italian coach sat down with former Real Madrid star Steve McManaman, exclusively for TNT Sports. He said: “We did really well [this season].

“We had a lot of difficulties – [injuries to Thibaut] Courtois, [Eder] Militao, [David] Alaba. The players adapted really well to the difficulties.

“It was an opportunity to show how good they are and they are really good. We planned the procedure really well in the sense that we signed good players – Joselu, Brahim [Diaz], [Jude] Bellingham. The season was really good.

Nagelsmann looking for Germany to give Kroos ‘perfect’ end with Euro 2024 success

“[The experience of Kroos and Modric] helps a lot – the environment, the ambience in the squad. The veterans are really good examples for the young players, able to keep a good atmosphere in the dressing room. Good attitude, really focussed every day in training.

“This generation of players that started in 2014 are still there – Modric, Nacho, Lucas [Vazquez], [Dani] Carvajal. In the future, it will be on the younger players to take more responsibility.”

In the run to this season’s showpiece – which has included knockout wins over Manchester City and Bayern – the central midfield unit has been feeding Bellingham ahead of them.

The England international has shone since his transfer from this weekend’s opponents last summer, racking up 23 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.

Bellingham has been the man to step up in the biggest of moments, striking a host of very late winners – including twice against Barcelona in El Clasico.

Ancelotti added, on the West Midlands native: “He adapted really well, because of his character. He’s really mature, really professional.