Paul Pogba, Manchester United and Barcelona were among the masses around the world to breathe a sigh of relief as the Wild Boars team finally emerged after more than two weeks trapped underground.
In a sign of how their plight had gripped players at the ongoing World Cup in Russia, Paul Pogba dedicated France’s semi-final win against Belgium to the youngsters.
“This victory goes to the heroes of the day, well done boys, you are so strong,” the Manchester United midfielder tweeted after Tuesday’s 1-0 win.
This victory goes to the heroes of the day, well done boys, you are so strong ?? #thaicaverescue #chiangrai pic.twitter.com/05wysCSuVy
— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) July 10, 2018
England defender Kyle Walker, ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against Croatia, also welcomed the news and offered to send them football shirts.
“Amazing news that all of the Thai kids are out of the cave safely! I’d like to send out shirts to them! Is there anyone who can help with an address?” he tweeted.
The 12 boys, aged 11-16, and their 25-year-old coach became trapped by rising floodwaters after setting off to explore a cave complex in northern Thailand after football training on June 23.
The last of the group was finally extracted on Tuesday, 18 days later, after a painstaking and dangerous international rescue mission led by Thai Navy SEALs.