GiveMeSport
·10 October 2021
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·10 October 2021
The Poland career of West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski drew to a close on Saturday evening amid emotional scenes at the National Stadium in Warsaw.
The 36-year-old shot-stopper, who also has also represented Arsenal and Swansea during his time in England, announced his international retirement over the summer.
However, Fabianski was awarded one final bow by boss Paulo Sousa in Poland's World Cup qualifier against San Marino. The veteran keeper started the game but was withdrawn after 57 minutes - in recognition of the number of caps he achieved for his country.
From the moment the fourth official's board was raised for the pre-planned substitution that saw him replaced by Monaco's Radoslaw Majecki, Fabianski was visibly impacted by the realisation that these were his final moments in a Polish jersey.
The tears began to stream more freely as made his way from the field to a standing ovation from the crowd, kissing the badge on his chest as he did so.
Fittingly, Fabianski was also acknowledged by both sets of players, who formed a guard of honour for him as he exited.
Several of his countrymen embraced him as he left, including star striker Robert Lewandowski. Uncharacteristically, the Bayern Munich man failed to get on the scoresheet in Poland's 5-0 win over the Group I minnows, despite recording six attempts at goal.
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Instagram, during which he celebrated the international career of his long-time teammate.
"Thanks @ lukasz.fabianski for all those years spent together on the pitch and great performances for #Polska. 15 years in the squad shows how much you meant to this team," wrote Lewandowski on the social media platform.
You can check on the final tear-jerking moments of Fabianski's international career below.
Poland's comfortable victory leaves them third in their qualifying group, trailing leaders England by some five points in their quest to be a part of next year's showpiece tournament in Qatar.
Almost as important as the three points on this occasion, though, was the chance to celebrate a magnificent servant of the national side.
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