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Michael Zorc is leaving the Bundesliga and his heart club after 44 years with Borussia Dortmund.
Born in Dortmund, the fans in the south stand said goodbye with a choreography.
Photo:
LEON KUEGELER / REUTERS
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After the 2-1 win against Hertha BSC, Zorc stepped in front of the south stand and grabbed the stadium microphone.
"47 years ago I stood where you are for the first time," said the 59-year-old, still called "Susi" in Dortmund.
The newly built Westfalenstadion looked different back then, but Zorc has never worked for any other club in his long career as a player and sporting director.
Photo:
LEON KUEGELER / REUTERS
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An era also came to an end in Leverkusen.
Rudi Völler said goodbye as managing director of Bayer, the SPIEGEL wrote in advance about the departure of the Bundesliga veterans: "Hard to imagine a Bundesliga without Völler, without Zorc.
You were always there.« In Leverkusen there was also a choreography of the fans.
"There's only one Rudi Völler" – if you don't know this song, you've probably never watched football.
Photo:
IMAGO/Moritz Mueller / IMAGO/Moritz Mueller
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Völler also grabbed the stadium microphone, but before the 2-1 win against Freiburg.
"Thank you very much, your Rudi," those were his final words.
Photo: Marius Becker / dpa
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Meanwhile, another club legend was said goodbye in Dortmund, even though Marcel Schmelzer only played for BVB for 17 years.
Coach Marco Rose "Schmelle" would have liked to have sweetened the farewell with a mission, but the left-back's long-term injury didn't allow it.
So Schmelzer took to the pitch in a tracksuit, cheered on by his teammates.
Photo: Lars Baron/Getty Images
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And Schmelzer was no less celebrated than his superior Zorc.
Even before the game, his teammate and friend Mats Hummels praised him on Instagram (originally): "Many people who don't know what's important in football if you want to win will never understand what you've done.
All of us who have experienced you every day know it!«
Photo:
LEON KUEGELER / REUTERS
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In the shadow of Zorc and Schmelzer, other players were said goodbye in Dortmund.
Goalkeeper Roman Bürki got his farewell game, Marwin Hitz had his daughter in his arms, Axel Witsel, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Marin Pongracic and Reinier also ended their time at BVB.
Erling Haaland (photo) scored a penalty before leaving Manchester City to make it 1-1, and the Norwegian also received a lot of applause.
Photo:
IMAGO/Christopher Neundorf / IMAGO/Kirchner Media
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The day in Augsburg was not quite as harmonious.
Coach Markus Weinzierl used the interview on Sky TV to surprisingly announce his departure from FCA.
At that time, he had not yet informed the club or manager Stefan Reuter about his decision: “No, he will already know that.” Weinzierl thus indicated a broken relationship with Reuter.
So far there have been no talks.
This is "a clear sign," said the trainer, who spoke of "a lack of appreciation."
Photo: Matthias Balk / dpa
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With Adi Hütter, another coach is leaving the Bundesliga.
The Austrian had only joined Borussia Mönchengladbach before the season, however, after many disappointing results, both sides decided to part ways.
Unlike in Augsburg, however, the club was involved in the decision.
Photo:
Federico Gambarini / dpa
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And also in Bielefeld there were many farewells.
A total of eight professionals will leave the club after relegation.
It was particularly emotional for goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who had played for Arminia in his youth and has developed into one of the best keepers in the Bundesliga.
It is not yet clear where Ortega will continue.
Photo: Joosep Martinson/Getty Images