Mats Hummels revels in 'perfect' Borussia Dortmund farewell as team-mate left 'a little sad' that Germany hero's career is over

Hummels played his final match for Borussia Dortmund in a friendly against Juventus, receiving a rapturous send-off from the home crowd. The star defender, who captained the team, was substituted in the 19th minute for Niklas Sule to a guard of honour from both sets of players at a packed Signal Iduna Park. The match ended in a 2-1 defeat for Dortmund, with Andrea Cambiaso's brace securing the win for Juventus before Maximilian Beier scored a late consolation. 

Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel revealed Hummels was “incredibly emotional” before the game, noting his professionalism and leadership throughout his career. Coach Niko Kovac, who previously worked with Hummels at Bayern Munich, said it was “only natural” to hand him the armband for his farewell appearance.

The friendly served as a fitting tribute to Hummels, who announced his retirement earlier this year after a brief stint with AS Roma. The veteran centre-back enjoyed a decorated career with Dortmund across two spells, winning two Bundesliga titles and two DFB-Pokals. He reflected on his farewell, stating "It was perfect. I couldn't have imagined it being any better." His departure marks the end of an era for the German club, where he is the second-highest appearance maker with 508 games.

Dortmund goalkeeper Kobel told Sky Sport: "He was definitely more nervous today. I noticed that before the game. He was incredibly emotional. I think you could tell at the beginning that he still had to settle in a bit – the first three or four minutes. But then he did a truly outstanding job.

"He always wanted to be successful. That's how I got to know him. When I first came here, he helped me a lot when I was a new player. He welcomed the players, helped, supported, and always wanted to be successful. So, he's a great guy who had a great career, and I'm a little sad for him that it's over now. But I'm glad he had another chance to say goodbye here, because he deserved it."

Dortmund coach Kovac said: "I had him in Munich and know the merits he has here at BVB. Ultimately, it was only natural that he should play as captain here, that he should once again get what he deserves because of the great things he has achieved here."

While his playing career is over, Hummels is set to transition into a new role as a TV pundit for Amazon Prime Video, covering the Champions League. He has also expressed a desire for more private life and family time. Hummels hinted that his connection to the club will continue, joking that he will make an "incognito visit to the stands, 100 percent."