How must it feel to be a Borussia Dortmund fan?
Despite playing successful attractive football year after year, it seems inevitable that not only will Bayern Munich win the league every season, but they are going to steal your best German talent.
The swiping of Mario Gotze left a bitter taste in the mouth that has not, and will not be forgiven, but the announcement that club captain Mats Hummels will jump ship and move back to Bayern this summer is a truly bitter pill to swallow.
Hummels has been jeered from the stands since the news of a deal emerged, but it seems as though the fans that have encoutered him in person have been far more understanding and tried to persuade him to stay, or at least that is what he has divulged in an emotional Facebook post where he bid farewell to the Dortmund faithful.
After today my transfer to FC Bayern was announced, I would like to still now also expand a little more.
I’m sure as you can imagine the last few weeks have been very nerve-wracking for me, because I have had to make the most difficult decision of my life so far. In the end, I am beginning to realize, again, that a new challenge needs to be taken on, in my hometown, where my family and many friends live.
It is clear to me that it will be difficult for some people to understand my decision. But after eight and a half really great years in Dortmund, it was time for me to try something new again.
With a heavy heart I now leave the club and the team with whom I have grown together and am able to celebrate great successes. Therefore, I would like to thank all who have contributed to this. With You, the exceptional fans of this great club and all the staff for their “behind the scenes” work.
Particularly, I must highlight my teammates, as they are – regardless of the fact that these last few years without you would not have been possible – always an open ear for me.
Of course I have also received many messages, comments and posts, attempting to convince me to stay at BVB. And also the great pep talk after our home game against Wolfsburg, whether in the stadium or in the supermarket, I was very touched. This speaks for the unique BVB fans and I know it is very much appreciated.
Now I’m going to give everything in the remaining training sessions to give a dignified farewell to honour my time here. With the trophy in our hands we'll be back after the final!
Thank you!
Mats
The message was nice, but it is unlikely to do much for the Dortmund fans who have to accept that Bayern get what they want in the Bundesliga.
Next season Mats Hummels will play alongside Jerome Boateng at the heart of Bayern's defence, but Thomas Tuchel has shown enough competence to suggest that the black and yellow will still be right up there in contention as the season nears it's end. Whether or not they can stop Bayern from claiming another Bundesliga title next season remains to be seen.
