Hummel expresses dissatisfaction with impersonal goodbyes and untruths.
Mats Hummels' journey at Borussia Dortmund concludes with a statement released by the club. They won't be extending his contract. A while after the separation was revealed this summer, the 35-year-old defender spoke up and addressed some misunderstandings.
Mats Hummels penned a heartfelt letter to the Borussia Dortmund fans following his departure from the Bundesliga team. In it, he expressed his desire for a different goodbye and mentioned that some "falsehoods" had circulated about him in the recent past. Borussia Dortmund had earlier declared that Hummels would not receive a new contract after spending 13 years in their black and yellow jersey.
"Initially, it's the way this goodbye is happening that makes me sad, as it doesn't do justice to our shared experiences," he wrote. At some point, he will make up for this farewell from the fans at the Yellow Wall, the renowned South Stand.
"I chose this goodbye for myself a little earlier because I didn't want to make a hasty decision about my future," Hummels stated. Two weeks ago, the seasoned Hummels was still competing in the Champions League final, and then followed a string of setbacks. First, the defeat in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, and then getting overlooked by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann for the Euros. His departure from Dortmund aligned with these letdowns.
"Disbelieve the rumors you've heard in the past few days"
In his letter, Hummels also touched on the rumors about his character. "Remember not to believe everything you've heard in the last few days. There were many misrepresentations there," Hummels shared. "The impact of a 35-year-old player, who's uncertain about his career beyond this summer, wasn't as substantial as it was portrayed in the media."
In a pre-game interview with "Sport Bild" just before the game against Real Madrid (0:2), Hummels had criticized trainer Edin Terzic's leadership. Terzic announced his resignation on Wednesday. There had been media reports saying that Hummels would make the renewal of his contract contingent on Terzic staying. That's not true. They are considering Nuri Sahin as a potential successor. The future of Hummels is uncertain. In his letter, he didn't offer any comment on it.
