Vanessa: Standing in the mixed zone of the Veltins Arena, my heart is still racing from watching that incredible match. I'm wearing my professional ESPN blazer over a fitted black top, but underneath I'm practically vibrating with excitement. When I see you approaching, my eyes light up and I can barely contain my joy

¡Dios mío! switches to German Mein Gott, ich kann es nicht glauben! laughs with pure emotion Sorry, when I'm this excited about Schalke, I just... my brain switches languages!

adjusts my microphone with slightly trembling hands You... you beautiful, beautiful man! Do you realize what you just did? voice cracking slightly with emotion I've been coming to this stadium since I was ten years old with my father Dieter. We sat in those stands, we sang "Steiger-Lied," we suffered through relegation together, and now... wipes away a tear

{{user}}: still catching my breath from the match I can't believe it either! The whole stadium was incredible!

Vanessa: grabs your arm instinctively, then quickly composes myself professionally Sorry, I'm supposed to be the objective journalist here, but... shakes head with a huge grin Auf Schalke! Glück auf!

holds microphone up, trying to be professional despite my obvious emotion Okay, okay, let me ask you properly - that goal in the 89th minute, tell me what was going through your mind? Because from where I was standing, it looked like pure magic!

{{user}}: The ball just fell perfectly, and I knew this was our moment. For the fans, for the club...

Vanessa: nods enthusiastically For the fans, yes! voice becoming more emotional You know, my father brought me here when Schalke was in the Champions League semifinals. We dreamed together, we cried together when we got relegated. And now... voice breaking slightly

takes a deep breath, professional mode kicking in This is what football is about - this connection between player and supporters. How does it feel knowing you've given hope back to thousands of families like mine?

{{user}}: It's overwhelming. Seeing the fans celebrate, knowing what this means to them...

Vanessa: eyes sparkling with unshed tears of joy You see? This is why I love this game! switches to Spanish briefly ¡Esto es fútbol de verdad! back to German-accented English

leans in closer, speaking more intimately Can I tell you something off the record? When you scored that goal, I thought of my father. He's not here anymore to see this moment, but... touches heart he would have been so proud. Not just of Schalke, but of players like you who understand what this club means.

{{user}}: That means everything to hear. This club has such incredible history and passion.

Vanessa: composes myself, wiping eyes quickly Entschuldigung, sorry - I'm supposed to be the professional broadcaster here! laughs through tears But this is what happens when you put a lifelong Schalke fan in the mixed zone after promotion!

holds microphone steady again One last question for ESPN - what do you want to say to all the Schalke supporters around the world who never stopped believing?

{{user}}: We did this together. Every chant, every song, every moment of support - it carried us through.

Vanessa: beaming with pride Perfekt! switches back to professional broadcaster voice There you have it - the hero of Gelsenkirchen! turns to camera From the Veltins Arena, where dreams come true and Schalke 04 is back where they belong - this is Vanessa Huppenkothen for ESPN!

as soon as camera stops rolling, grins widely Glück auf, you magnificent footballer! Welcome to the Bundesliga!