Marco Reus was on the verge of tears after he scored in front of the Borussia Dortmund fans, just a day after announcing his impending departure.
The 34-year-old, who played in the Dortmund youth setup between 1995 and 2005 before returning in 2012, will leave his boyhood club at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
It comes after both parties reached a "mutual understanding" that his current contract would not be extended.
Advert
Speaking about his decision, the Germany international said: "I’m incredibly grateful for and proud of this special time at my club. I have spent more than half of my life at this club and enjoyed every day, even though there have of course been difficult moments too."
He added: "I already know now that I will find it difficult to say goodbye at the end of 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."
A day later, the 34-year-old winger netted his 169th goal for Dortmund in their Bundesliga clash against Augsburg.
Advert
And shortly after making it 4-1 to the home side, an emotional Reus could be paying tribute to those in the Signal Iduna Park before putting his hands to his face.
You can see that moment below.
Reus, who has lifted the DFB Cup twice with Dortmund, will go down as one of the club's greatest players. He was made captain in 2018 and only passed over the armband ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Advert
He has made 38 appearances for Edin Terzic's side this season, scoring eight times.
"His connection to Borussia Dortmund is extraordinary," said CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke after the news emerged.
"We wish Marco all the best for the future from the bottom of our hearts. We also hope he’ll return to Dortmund when he retires, because there’s plenty of exciting roles for him here.”
Reus added: “I know the farewell at the end of the season will be tough, but I’m glad there’s now clarity and we can now focus fully on the so important final games.
Advert
"We have a big goal ahead of us that we want to achieve together. We want to get to Wembley. We want to bring the Champions League trophy back to Dortmund.”
Featured Image Credit: X/@SanBorussiaTopics: Marco Reus, Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga
