Emre Can and fellow cast-offs make Dortmund’s fantasy thrillingly real

Captain hails belief and togetherness that has powered an often written-off squad to the Champions League final

Borussia Dortmund players celebrate after beating PSG to reach the Champions League final

Emre Can is not the most obvious example in the Borussia Dortmund team but he is an example nonetheless; a player who has experienced rejection, who has had to battle to re-establish himself.

It is probably easier to see the narrative strand in, say, Jadon Sancho, who was pushed out of Manchester United in January and back to Dortmund after his falling-out with the manager, Erik ten Hag. Sancho’s poor form and rock-bottom confidence made it easier for United to sanction the loan.