Marco Reus has announced he is to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer after 12 years at the club.
The 34-year-old has mutually agreed not to extend his contract with the Bundesliga club which expires at the end of the season.
The attacking midfielder signed for Dortmund from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012 and has gone on to become one of the club’s most iconic stars.
Despite being an important figure around the club, Reus has seen his game reduced in recent times and with the club boasting a host of emerging talent, the German has decided now is time for a new adventure.
Ahead of Dortmund’s crucial Champions league semi-final second leg at Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Reus revealed now was the right time to announce his exit with focus to quickly return to on-field matters.
“Well, how should I begin?,” Reus said in a video posted on the club’s social media platforms.
“Dear BVB supporters. I was allowed to play in this wonderful stadium for 12 years. I’ve dedicated half of my life to this club with many highs and lows. It was mainly highs I’d say.
“The club and I have come to the decision not to extend my contract. It made me incredibly proud and I’m incredibly grateful to have been able to play for this club for so many years.
“It’s quite hard for me right now to find the right words nevertheless, it’s important for me to tell you fans first. We also have a big goal in sight. We want to go to Wembley.
“We want to bring this trophy to Dortmund again and that is why it is important that the decision has been made and that concludes this issue.
“Now we are all focusing on this major goal and we’ll see each other a few more times in this wonderful stadium.”
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke paid tribute to Reus’ incredible career at Signal Iduna Park.
“Marco Reus is one of the club’s greatest players,” he said. “He was born in Dortmund, played for almost 10 years in our youth setup and for 12 years with the first team, and was our club captain for a long time.
“His connection to Borussia Dortmund is extraordinary. We wish Marco all the best for his future. We very much hope that he will return to BVB after his playing career, because there are enough exciting challenges awaiting him here in Dortmund.”
News Summary:
- ‘How should I begin?’ – End of an era as Marco Reus announces Borussia Dortmund exit
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.