‘End of an era’: Reus to leave Dortmund at season’s end

(FILES) Dortmund’s German forward Marco Reus celebrates at the end of the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and VfL Bochum in Dortmund, western Germany on November 5, 2022. – Borussia Dortmund veteran Marco Reus will leave after 12 years with the side at the end of the season, the club announced on May 3, 2024. Both parties agreed Reus’ contract would not be extended, although the 34-year-old wants to keep playing and will not retire. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)

Borussia Dortmund veteran Marco Reus will leave after 12 years with the side at the end of the season, the club announced on Friday.

Both parties agreed Reus’ contract would not be extended, although the 34-year-old wants to keep playing and will not retire.

“I’ve dedicated half my life to this club, experienced a lot of ups and downs, but more ups I think,” the Dortmund-born Reus said in a video message.

“The club and I came to the decision not to extend the contract. It made me incredibly proud, I’m incredibly grateful to have played for this club for so many years.”

Reus, who came through Dortmund’s junior system before returning to the club after breaking through at neighbouring Borussia Moenchengladbach, won two German Cups with the side but never lifted the Bundesliga title.

The forward came closest last season, where Dortmund were atop the table heading into the final day but a 2-2 home draw against Mainz saw the title go to Bayern Munich for the 11th straight time.

While Bayer Leverkusen’s breakthrough Bundesliga title means Reus will not lift the shield with the club, his side are two games away from winning the Champions League.

Reus came off the bench in a 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s first