MATS HUMMELS has been released by Borussia Dortmund.
The defender helped the German giants reach the Champions League final, which they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid.
He made 508 appearances across two spells for Dortmund, having returned to the club in 2019 following three years at Bayern Munich.
Hummels was part of the side that won the DFB-Pokal in 2021, while they also finished as Bundesliga runners-up in 2022/23.
The German has been rumoured to be leaving for some time and he has now followed Edin Terzic out of the exit door after the Dortmund boss resigned over a bust-up between the pair.
Just days before the Champions League, the veteran centre-back criticised Terzic’s tactics against other top teams in an interview.
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Terzic reportedly lost his temper during a confrontation with Hummers, which allegedly turned violent.
The pair are said to have made peace before the final, but the club were set to punish both.
However that is no longer necessary as neither will be at Dortmund next season, with Hummels revealing he intends to continue playing in Europe rather than move to MLS.
He also released a statement after leaving the club, which reads: “Dear fans, my time in black and yellow is now coming to an end after more than 13 years. It has been a huge honour and pleasure for me to have played for BVB for so long and to have been part of the journey from 13th place in January 2008.
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“The countless great coaches and fantastic players I have had the honour of meeting here. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you all meet up again at Borsigplatz as soon as possible to celebrate.
“I will miss you.”
His criticism of Terzic included a claim that they were set up to be “submissive”.
Hummels said: “I was furious because I was of the opinion that Borussia Dortmund shouldn’t play like that – against any opponent in the world.
“I didn’t think it could go on like this. I felt insulted in my honour to stand on the pitch in that kit.
“So submissive, so inferior in footballing terms.
“The two Stuttgart games and the away game in Leverkusen. That was barricading with 11 men in the box.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
