Marco Reus will finish his Borussia Dortmund career at the very top as he prepares for the Champions League final on Saturday.
The German international has been part of BVB for 12 seasons and has made over 400 appearances for the club, but has the chance to make history at Wembley in his final outing.
11 years ago, Reus experienced heartbreak in the same competition and same stadium when Dortmund lost in the final to Bayern Munich.
But this time, they face Real Madrid, a formidable foe looking to win their 15th Champions League title.
Anything can happen in the final of a football match, but Reus is aware his side will be the underdogs in the English capital.
Speaking to UEFA, he said: “The last final at Wembley [the 2013 defeat by Bayern] was 11 years ago, and it’s a different opposition, different players as well, so it’s not about revenge, it’s just about the anticipation.
Marco’s last dance 🕺 pic.twitter.com/GqCaKbaTI4
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) May 28, 2024
“With time, you become more experienced, you can prepare better than when you are only 20 years old.
“But I think it’s normal that everyone will feel a bit nervous and tense, that’s the way it is.”
There cannot be many better occasions for Reus to say farewell to his beloved club than in the Champions League final.
His time at BVB has not been littered with silverware but with the absence of a Bundesliga title, Europe’s top honour would suffice for the 48-cap international.
He has spent the last few weeks issuing goodbyes to the fans and was more than happy to explain how much the club means to him ahead of the match.
“Dortmund means everything to me,” he added.
Locked in for Saturday 🔒 pic.twitter.com/07CKHHrraE
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) May 29, 2024
“Playing for a club for 12 years, it has to mean something. You don’t stay just because of the name or the money.
“You need to feel comfortable, have a good environment and have great team-mates.
“Leaving means knowing you won’t find the same elsewhere, so you think two or three times before making such a decision.
“The fans are a big part of why I stayed so long, but also because I always felt needed here – that is an important factor.”
