An emotional farewell in pictures

Ahead of kick-off, the players and fans ensured a really emotional moment: While Kies' team-mates warmed up in shirts with his number on, the fans produced an impressive choreography that stretched across the whole of the North and East Stand terraces during the official farewell by Michael Schade and Rudi Völler. 
During the game against Hannover 96, it took a while for the striker to process his first impressions of his final game. With the match drawing to a close, he came off the bench and the fans went wild. "We want Stefan!" rang through the BayArena until the substitution happened: Kießling came on in the 83rd minute to make his 403rd and final Bundesliga appearance. 

The scenes after the final whistle in Stefan's second home did not leave a dry eye in the house: There were kisses from his wife Norina and their children before Kies set off on a long lap of honour that ended up with his fellow players and the fans at the North Stand. After further vocal appreciation and the bumps from his team-mates, Kies' final speech made it clear: It was a fairy-tale farewell.