An estimated 400,000 fans celebrated Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga title on Sunday as the team paraded the trophy around town.
Coach Juergen Klopp and his players were driven through the western German city in an open truck before being taken to a stage for the final appearance in police cars as the sheer size of the crowd made it impossible for the truck to pass through.
"This is what we dreamed of. If you see the faces (of the fans) - this so so unbelievable," said Klopp.
Dortmund-born youngster Kevin Grosskreutz, one of the team's rising stars, was also overwhelmed.
"I am so proud. No one can ever take this way from me. I was born here. I will always love the club," Grosskreutz said.
Dortmund played a remarkable season with a young team and clinched the seventh national title two weeks ago. The team received the trophy on Saturday after a final 3-1 victory over relegated Eintracht Frankfurt which set off the final festivities.
Thousands of fans partied deep into the night and so did the team, with several players going straight from a local club to the parade.
"You have given a proud club its reputation back," managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke told the players at the official banquet Saturday night.
"Thanks to you we are riding a wave of affection. Celebrate this day, you deserve it like no other team."
Watzke also looked ahead at the next campaign, saying: "Don't forget during your holiday that it is even more difficult to preserve the success. We will remain modest, but also ambitious."
Dortmund will be the team to beat next season and record champions Bayern Munich will be leading the challenge after having to settle for third place this time around.
Dortmund's team will be largely unchanged, but playmaker Nuri Sahin is leaving for Real Madrid. A few new players could arrive in summer as a deeper squad will be needed for upcoming Bundesliga and Champions League duty.
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