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German players to thank supporters on Fan Mile
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-07-07 09:20
Germany's World Cup squad will return to Berlin on the day of the final to pay tribute to their supporters on the Fan Mile.

Millions of Germans packed the area close to the Brandenburg Gate to watch the hosts on huge television screens over the course of the tournament.

Germany lost in the semi-final against Italy on Tuesday, meaning they will play the third-place match against Portugal in Stuttgart on Saturday rather than the final on Sunday.

Instead of going home after Saturday's game, the players have decided to return to their Berlin hotel before going out to meet the fans at around midday on Sunday.

"We feel very grateful to the fans," striker Miroslav Klose said at a news conference on Thursday.

"We didn't want to just drift off to our homes after the Stuttgart game. We wanted to give something back."

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann said the meet-and-greet session would be a good way to sign off from the tournament.

"I think it will be an emotional high," Lehmann said. "The people were great and saying goodbye like this will give us a picture that will live long in the memory."