'Nothing better' - Marco Reus relishing playing the last game of his Borussia Dortmund career against Real Madrid in the Champions League final

The 34-year-old forward, who will celebrate his 35th birthday this Friday, has announced his departure from Dortmund after a storied 12-year career with the club. Reus' final match for Dortmund promises to be a fitting end to an illustrious tenure, culminating in the ultimate showdown at the Champions League final.

In an interview with UEFA.com: "I would say there is nothing better than playing your last game in a Champions League final and winning it. Starting with a Champions League final at Wembley in 2013 and finishing with one in 2024 for your last game, there are worse ways to end a Dortmund career.

"The last final at Wembley 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. Now the objective is to win the trophy because we cannot imagine how things could be the very next day here. It's just about the next 90 minutes, possibly 120 minutes, which will decide."

Dortmund's path to the final has been impressive, with an unexpected victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals. The team's 2-0 aggregate win showcased their resilience and strategic prowess, setting the stage for the final clash against Real Madrid. For Reus, this match represents the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, with the objective now clear: to win the trophy and cap off his Dortmund career in style.

As Reus prepares to bid farewell to Dortmund, his future remains the subject of speculation. St. Louis City, an MLS team, have expressed interest in the veteran forward. Preliminary conversations have taken place, though Reus has yet to be placed on their discovery list. Additionally, Reus has attracted attention from clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, hinting at several options for the next chapter of his career.

Reus' impact at Dortmund extends beyond his statistics. His leadership, vision, and ability to inspire teammates have made him an integral part of the club's fabric. As the team gears up to face Real Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday, the anticipation and excitement are at an all-time high. For Reus, this match is more than just a game; it's a chance to leave a lasting legacy and achieve a fitting conclusion to his time at Dortmund.