Marco Reus to leave Borussia Dortmund at end of season after 12 years
DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Marco Reus will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer after both sides announced Friday that they've agreed to part ways, ending the midfielder's 12-year run with the German team.
The 34-year-old Reus' contract expires at the end of the season, but unlike one year ago when they extended the deal, they'll now move on.
“The club and I have come to the decision not to extend my contract,” the former team captain said in a video message to Dortmund fans.
“It made me incredibly proud and I am incredibly grateful to have been able to play for this club for so many years,” he said in his message, translated by the club. “It’s quite hard for me right now to find the right words. Nevertheless, it’s important for me to tell you fans first.”
Reus first joined Dortmund when he was 6 years old and spent nearly a decade in its youth system. He rejoined Dortmund from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2012.
“Marco Reus is one of the club’s greatest players,” club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said in Friday's announcement. “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.”
The attacking midfielder came off the bench Wednesday to help close out Dortmund's 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals.
Reus said in the team's announcement that it will be “difficult to say goodbye" after the season.
“And yet I’m happy that there is now clarity and that we can focus fully on the very important final games that we still have to play,” he said. “We have a big objective in our sights that we all want to achieve together.”
The second leg is Tuesday in Paris.
Dortmund hosts Augsburg on Saturday in the Bundesliga.
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