Harmonious words: Hummels departs from BVB.
Mats Hummels, a 35-year-old football player, will no longer be a part of Borussia Dortmund. His contract won't be renewed, despite his remarkable performances that helped the team gain entry into the Champions League Final this season. He made history by playing a crucial role in the team's journey to the finals, but his time at Wembley Stadium against Real Madrid on June 1 marked the end of his BVB career. Hummels hasn't revealed his next move in an interview before the Champions League Final. Initially, it was reported by "Ruhr Nachrichten" that he would be leaving the club on Thursday night.
In a statement, Hummels said, "Dear fans, my time in black and yellow is about to end after more than 13 years. It was an honor and joy for me to play for BVB for so long and contribute to its growth from 13th place in January 2008 to the present day. This unique club, along with its fans, holds a special place in my heart - it's more than just a club."
Hummels' Journey with BVB and Bayern
Unlike Marco Reus, who's also leaving Dortmund, Hummels' BVB journey was more eventful. He was born in Bergisch-Gladbach and trained in Bayern Munich's youth system, making his professional debut there in 2007. In January 2008, he was loaned to Dortmund, where he won two German championships in 2011 and 2012. Bayern bought him completely in the summer of 2009, and seven years later, he returned to BVB as a World Cup winner. There, he helped win the Pokal in 2021.
"Mats was a key tactician in Borussia Dortmund's football strategy during the last 15 years," said BVB's commercial manager, Lars Ricken. "This decision is difficult for all parties involved. He'll always be a part of the BVB's history and the club will always be indebted to this exceptional player, as Hummels will also feel the same towards this extraordinary club."
Hummels played 442 Bundesliga games (scoring 33 goals) and 90 Champions League matches (scoring five goals). His last international appearance, one of 78, was against Austria in November. He didn't make it to the Euros.
Hummels on Thursday's Chaos
His critical comments about coach Edin Terzic's work in an interview with "Sport Bild," which took place before the Champions League Final against Real Madrid (0:2), didn't sit well with the editorial staff. Nevertheless, Terzic's departure won't change the fact that Hummels is leaving the club. Previously, it was speculated that Hummels would only consider a contract extension if Terzic stayed, but that's no longer the case.
Hummels talked about the recent turmoil regarding coaching changes and his departure on Thursday via Instagram, saying, "Today's day will be a challenge for me as well." He added a laughing emoji to his statement.
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Terzi was mentioned in Hummels' critical comments about the coach's work before the Champions League Final. Despite Hummels' conciliatory statement about his time at BVB, his decision to leave the club was not influenced by the coach's departure. Terzi's departure, however, did not affect Hummels' decision to leave Borussia Dortmund. Despite their differences, Terzi and Hummels shared a history of working together at BVB.
