'I'm struggling with emotions' - Mats Hummels confirms his retirement with World Cup winner and ex-Borussia Dortmund star reflects on 'unique' career

The defender, currently at Roma, announced on Instagram that this campaign will be his last, pulling the curtain down on a stellar career. He wrote that he is "struggling with emotions" at the decision to call time on his 19-year stint at the highest level.

Hummels came through the Bayern Munich academy and returned to the club from 2016-19 but will be best remembered for his legendary spells at Borussia Dortmund, where he won two Bundesliga titles and reached the final of the 2013 Champions League. He and Dortmund were back in the final in May 2024, losing to Real Madrid 2-0, while Hummels' greatest triumph is surely being part of the Germany team that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

In his Instagram post, Hummels said: "I'm struggling with emotions right now. Now comes the moment no footballer can avoid. After more than 18 years with so many things that football has given me, I'm ending my career this summer."

There is still plenty for Hummels to play for this season, with Roma aiming to qualify for the Champions League under the management of Claudio Ranieri. They are four points off fourth position with eight matches to play and take on Juventus in a huge game on Sunday.