The applause followed Lukas all the way to the barriers.
Security opened a small path through the crowd, allowing him to walk over to the supporters instead of hurrying him into the parking garage. He couldn't bring himself to leave without thanking them properly.
"Thank you!" he shouted, raising both hands above his head.
The response was immediate.
"LUKAS! LUKAS! LUKAS!"
Scarves waved above hundreds of heads while dozens of phones were held high, trying to capture one last moment with the player who had helped bring European silverware back to Frankfurt.
A young boy, no older than 10, squeezed his way to the front, holding out a Frankfurt shirt with trembling hands.
"Lukas... please."
Lukas smiled.
"Of course."
He took the shirt, uncapped the marker somebody beside the boy handed him, and signed neatly beneath the club crest before handing it back.
The boy looked as though Christmas had arrived months early.
"Can... can we take a picture?"
"Absolutely."
