The team touched down in Frankfurt early the next morning. The tiredness from the previous night's game was visible: stiff walks, heavy eyes, muscles sore. But there was something else too: pride. A quiet satisfaction. They had done something big in Milan.
As they stepped through the arrivals door toward the airport's public exit, they didn't expect more than a few cameras and reporters. Instead, a warm round of applause greeted them. Airport staff, travellers, and a handful of fans who had clearly woken up early were waiting with scarves, flags, and Germany jerseys.
It wasn't a chaotic crowd — just a heartfelt welcome.
Some clapped politely, some cheered, and a few held signs. One read: "DIE ZUKUNFT IST JETZT" with a drawn number 49 underneath.
Lukas walked near the middle of the group when a small voice pierced through all the noise.
"LUKAAASSS!!!"
He turned.
