Serge Gnabry, David Alaba and Joshua Kimmich sat on the pitch at the Stadium of Light in the aftermath of what is normally the highlight of a player’s career.
Bayern Munich had just beaten Paris St Germain in the Champions League final, the euphoria of the 8-2 victory over Barcelona in the quarter finals still fresh in the mind, as were Gnabry’s goal’s in the 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon.
Around them, amidst the echoes of an empty stadium populated only by club staff, was an eeriness not associated with such euphoric moments; no friendly faces to pick out in the crowd, the family and friends who had stuck with you through the lean years; no fans with whom to party.