After 21 years in his ranks… Royce leaves Borussia Dortmund

Marco Reus will leave his team, Borussia Dortmund, at the end of the current season, after spending 21 years in its ranks, starting in the youth groups and reaching the first team, according to what the yellow and black club announced on Friday.

The two parties reached an agreement that the contract will not be extended, although the 34-year-old will continue to play and will not retire.

Reus, who was born in Dortmund, said in a video message: “I dedicated my life to this club. I experienced many successes and failures, but the successes were the majority, I think.”

He continued, “The club and I have reached a decision not to extend the contract. I am very proud, and I am very grateful to have played for this club for many years.”

Reus spent 21 years in Dortmund and carried the captain’s armband between 2018 and 2023.

The former German international was part of the Dortmund squad that lost the 2013 Champions League final to Bayern Munich 1-2.

Royce, who won the German Player of the Year award twice, is considered one of the best attacking talents of his generation, but injury prevented him from participating in the World Cup in 2014, when his country won the title.

Reus, who began his career in the youth ranks of Dortmund before moving to the first team after his time at Borussia Mönchengladbach, won the German Cup twice with Dortmund, but was never able to win the league title.

The closest opportunity for the veteran player was last season when Dortmund was leading the league standings before the final stage, but their 2-2 draw at home against Mainz enabled Bayern Munich to win the title for the 11th year in a row.

Media reports stated that Royce rejected many offers from major clubs during his career in order to stay in Dortmund.

“It is the end of an extraordinary era,” said a statement issued by Dortmund.

The club’s general manager, Hans-Joachim Watzke, praised Reuss, describing him as “one of the club’s greatest players” and wishing him “all the best in his future.”