This summer, Marco Reus is leaving Borussia Dortmund after both sides agreed to part ways, ending his 12-year tenure with the German team.
The 34-year-old Reus’ contract is expiring at the end of the season, but unlike last year when they extended it, they’ve now decided to go separate ways.
“The club and I have decided not to extend my contract,” said the former team captain in a video message to Dortmund fans.
“It’s been incredibly fulfilling and I’m immensely grateful to have played for this club for so long,” he added in his message, which was translated by the club. “Finding the right words is tough for me right now. However, I need to share this news with you, the fans, first.”
Reus initially joined Dortmund at the age of 6 and spent almost a decade in its youth system. He returned to Dortmund from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2012.
“Marco Reus is one of the club’s most outstanding players,” stated club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke in Friday’s announcement. “His bond with Borussia Dortmund is exceptional. We wish Marco all the best for his future endeavors. We sincerely hope that he’ll come back to BVB after his playing career, as there are plenty of exciting challenges awaiting him here in Dortmund.”
The midfielder entered the game as a substitute on Wednesday to help Dortmund secure a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals.
Reus expressed mixed feelings about leaving the team after the season in the team’s announcement. “Even though it will be tough to bid farewell, I’m relieved that there’s clarity now so we can fully concentrate on the important remaining matches,” he said. “We have a major goal ahead of us that we all aim to accomplish together.”
The second leg match will take place in Paris on Tuesday. Before that, Dortmund will play against Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
