Nico Schlotterbeck enjoyed the applause of German fans while on crutches at the final World Cup group stage game against Ecuador on Thursday.
The defender, whose World Cup is over after tearing ankle ligaments in Germany’s second group match win over Ivory Coast, still wants to support the team at games during the rest of the finals.
"I think it's a great sign from him. We are really happy that he is there. He could have said: 'I'm flying off on holiday.' But he wanted to stay and support us," coach Julian Nagelsmann told broadcaster ARD.
Antonio Rüdiger has taken over Schlotterbeck’s role in central defence.
Schlotterbeck had already addressed his fans on social media.
"What matters now is the team. They deserve the full support of all Germans. Let’s stick together and show that we stand behind this German team in good times and in difficult moments and support them on their way to the World Cup title," the Borussia Dortmund player wrote on Instagram after his injury.
