(foto: Getty Images)
Ilkay Gündogan felt compelled to address fans and the German public before Germany's first match.
Ahead of today's opening match of the European Championship, Ilkay Gündogan wrote a special letter, in which he addressed the German public as the captain of the national team. Germany will kick off Euro 2024 tonight against Scotland.
"Tonight, my dreams will come true. I will lead the national team onto the pitch as captain, and that at a home European Championship. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps!
Our journey in recent years hasn't been easy. I remember the tough times wearing the national team's jersey. I'm also proud to be the first German captain at a major tournament with migrant roots," Gundogan wrote.
According to the Barcelona midfielder, diversity is a significant advantage for Germany.
"This will make us stronger at the Euro, the diversity and influence of different cultures! Football unites people. We live in times where new fronts are emerging. People no longer talk to each other. Our society is divided. With the national team, we want to unite people and make them proud of Germany. We want to become European champions!"