After the DFB team's early World Cup exit against Paraguay the team spoke out on Instagram. The social media post reads: "Dear fans, this year's World Cup took place far away. But you were there. You were loud. And you were ready for more."
The soccer stars continue to explain: "We were far away from our goals on the field. We failed to show what this team is capable of. That's why we were justifiably eliminated from this tournament far too early. We wanted to walk this path together with you and fill Germany with pride. But we didn't do better as a team this year. That hurts. Us just as much as many others."
The team then addresses hostility in the post: "We face the criticism of our performance." This is justified and part of the sport. "But hatred is not part of it. We do not accept racism and other forms of discrimination. Soccer stands for community and unity, not for division." At the end of the post, the DFB team thanks the fans for their support: "Thank you for being there. Thank you for your support. We will do better again. With you by our side. Your national team."
Joshua Kimmich also speaks out
Meanwhile, individual stars of the team have also spoken out, including DFB captain Joshua Kimmich (31). He writes on Instagram: "Right now I'm just empty and I don't feel like speaking out at all. But it's part of it to face these situations as well."
He continues to explain in his statement after the World Cup exit: "Together we had planned to play a very successful World Cup, to represent Germany with dignity and to make a small contribution to a positive development in our country. And we failed. Once again. And that's killing me."
Kimmich adds: "As proud as I am to be captain of this team and as special as it was for me to be able to lead them into the tournament, the disappointment about how it went for us is just as great." Giving up is never an option for him. "But I will certainly need more than a few days to get back on track." He also thanks the fans at the end: "Thank you to everyone who believed in us and accompanied us. We would have liked to give more back to all of you and to ourselves."
