Mats Hummels has been a dominant figure in German football in recent years. The central defender celebrated his greatest success at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Now he is retiring. Reactions to his retirement.
“I’m struggling with my emotions right now. This is the moment that no footballer can avoid. After more than 18 years with so many things that football has given me, I will end my career in the summer,” Mats Hummels announced on Friday. Reactions from former teammates were not long in coming…
Julian Nagelsmann (German national team coach): “Mats Hummels set international standards in his best years and has become a role model for a whole generation of defenders. He was not only an outstanding central defender in the national team and interpreted his position in a modern way. You could always tell how much it meant to him to play for Germany. Many players benefited from his experience and tactical understanding even after winning the 2014 World Cup, in which he was a central pillar of the team. The national team owes Mats a great debt of gratitude.”
Bernd Neuendorf (DFB President): “With Mats Hummels, another player from the 2014 World Cup and the 2009 U-21 European Champions is retiring. Mats Hummels was also a real leader in the national team. He has always taken responsibility on and off the pitch. We are very grateful to him for his great service to German football, which was crowned by the 2014 World Cup victory.”
Rudi Völler (DFB Sports Director): “Mats Hummels was one of the defining faces of a very successful period for the national team and the DFB. He played a significant role in these successes as a leader, but also as a role model off the pitch. He has left his mark on his clubs in his successful career – finishing with one of the biggest clubs in the most beautiful city in the world.”
Joachim Löw (2014 World Cup coach, as quoted in Bild): “For me, Mats was the unsung hero of the 2014 World Cup. Other players received more coverage, but I’m not sure whether we would have become world champions without his performances, especially in the final. He had been dealing with his situation for a long time. His retirement now did not come as a complete surprise to me.”
Borussia Dortmund: “One of the greatest players in our club’s history has retired – your career was unique, Mats! We bow to your achievements, your successes and your career. Forever a Borusse! Forever a black and yellow legend!”
Hans-Joachim Watzke (chairman of the management board at BVB): “Mats Hummels is one of the greatest players Borussia Dortmund has ever developed – and that says a lot considering the large number of professionals from our company. We will always remain closely connected to Mats – and I firmly believe that Mats feels the same way.”
