Leonardo Bonucci proud of Italy at Euro 2016 despite exit vs. Germany

Leonardo Bonucci has expressed his pride for being part of Italy's remarkable Euro 2016 campaign and thanked the detractors for giving them the motivation to succeed.

Italy were knocked out in the quarterfinal stage 5-6 following a penalty shootout to Germany side who broke their hoodoo to overcome the Azzurri for the first time ever in the knockout stage of a major tournament.

Bonucci scored in the second half to equalise with Mesut Ozil's earlier goal, which forced extra-time and penalties.

As one of the leaders of an Italy side who few had expected to go so far on the eve of the tournament, and he took to Instagram following their bitter elimination to pay tribute to their achievement.

"I want to say goodbye to these European Championships with this photo," he wrote. "A celebration born out of desire, out of unity, out of respect for each other, of hunger, of the pride of this marvellous GROUP. Not a selection -- a squad.

"Proud to have been part of it. We gave it a go. Zero regrets for the games we played on a par with more illustrious nations than us. Thanks to the Italians who supported us and cheered us on, gave us emotions and thanks also to those who were only expecting this great national team to be eliminated.

"Thanks because you will be the motivation to continue and to improve. FORZA ITALIA, FORZA AZZURRI, LONG LIVE THE ITALIANS"

Voglio salutare questo Europeo con questa foto. Un'esultanza figlia della voglia, dell'Unione, del rispetto l'uno dell'altro, della fame, dell'orgoglio di questo meraviglioso GRUPPO. Non una selezione, una Squadra. Orgoglioso di averne fatto parte. Ci abbiamo provato, 0 rimpianti per le partite giocate alla pari con Nazionali più blasonate di Noi. Grazie agli Italiani che ci hanno sostenuto, incitato, emozionato e grazie anche a quelli che non aspettavano altro che l'uscita di questa Grande Nazionale. Grazie perché sarete lo stimolo per continuare a migliorare. FORZA ITALIA, FORZA AZZURRI, VIVA GLI ITALIANI. #euro2016 #LB19

A photo posted by Leonardo Bonucci (@bonuccileo19) on

Jul 2, 2016 at 5:22pm PDT

While Bonucci and many of the Italy squad disembarked the national team's charter flight on Sunday in Milan, Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Candreva were among those who continued the journey to Rome, where they were also greeted by many fans and the awaiting media.

"We're happy and emotional," said De Rossi, told Il Corriere dello Sport. "These feelings will live on for days and not just immediately after this defeat."

Candreva added: "It didn't end well, but we're proud. I picked up an injury which I could have done without, but then I got behind the rest of the lads."