Bastian Schweinsteiger bid an emotional goodbye to the international game on Wednesday, leading out Germany for the final time in a 2-0 friendly victory over Finland in Monchengladbach.
After announcing his retirement from international football following Germany's semifinal exit from Euro 2016, Schweinsteiger was given this international friendly to say his goodbyes, and it proved to be a night to remember.
Joachim Low named a youthful starting lineup, with Schweinsteiger leading the next generation of Germany players, who had a combined 117 caps, three less than the Manchester United midfielder's.
Schweinsteiger, though, was more than up for the challenge with his young teammates, with his every touch, every pass, every move cheered by the capacity crowd at the Borussia-Park.
After a beginning filled with tears and cheers, Germany took a while to really get going, and it wasn't that big a surprise that no goals came in the first half, considering the emotionally-charged atmosphere at the stadium.
However, on 55 minutes, Germany found the back of the net. Joshua Kimmich's ball over the top found Mario Gotze, who squared the ball for Max Meyer to find the target.
After Gotze saw his shot blocked on the line on 65 minutes, those emotions went into overdrive again, as on 67 minutes, Low decided to take Schweinsteiger out for the final time in his international career, with Julian Weigl coming in.
As the entire stadium stood up in applause, Schweinsteiger waved to the crowd, hugged every single one of his teammate and then sat on the bench, left to contemplate on a wonderful 121-cap career.
"After twelve years of playing for the national team all that's left to say is thank you," Schweinsteiger began in an emotional message. "I would like to thank the DFB who have always succeeded in creating an exceptional atmosphere amongst the national team.
"My coaches, especially Joachim Low, under his leadership I've become a better and more mature international player.
"My teammates with who I've continued to pursue our goals and achieve them. Also the support staff who do so much behind the scenes for the team. The national team is a total work of art. Thank you to everyone who has been involved.
"My biggest thank you goes to you, the fans. Thank you for your patience, your trust and your support. The pictures from the fan park, your excitement and your celebrations and emotions were all my motivation. What I can say for certain is that without you, mine and our journeys would not have been possible."
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil put the icing on the cake in this unforgettable match, scoring the second goal in the 77th minute.
