Erling Haaland says goodbye to Borussia Dortmund with goal ahead of Man City move but fans save biggest tribute for Michael Zorc – the legend who also signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Jadon Sancho and co.
Haaland’s exit this summer was expected due to a release clause in his contract – and he leaves the Bundesliga side on good terms after 86 goals in 89 appearances.
It is a day of farewells for the German giants, who also say goodbye to Marcel Schmelzer, Axel Witsel, Roman Burki, Dan-Axel Zagadou, and Marwin Hitz.
Defender Schmelzer has spent his entire professional career at Dortmund and was pictured crying as he waved to fans before kick-off.
But the biggest tribute was saved for sporting director and club legend Michael Zorc.
The 21-year-old striker, whose £51million move to City has already been confirmed, received a rousing reception from the Signal Iduna Park faithful ahead of Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over Hertha Berlin, in which the Norwegian scored a 68th minute penalty.
The iconic former midfielder ends a 44-year association with the club, having spent his entire playing career with Dortmund before revolutionising their transfer model.
Zorc signed Ilkay Gundogan, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ousmane Dembele, Jadon Sancho and Haaland for a combined €86.8m, before selling them for €431.25m.
The 59-year-old was in tears as he waved goodbye to fans and they responded with an incredible visual tribute – which, in truth, made Haaland’s farewell seem quite insignificant in comparison.
Haaland tweeted a message thanking the Black and Yellow fans for a memorable two years at the club.
He said: “It has been nothing but an honour to wear this shirt. At
@BVB.
“I’ve spent memorable moments, met special people, not to mention a fanbase that has been always our extra man on the pitch. The Yellow Wall is truly incredible. I’ll never forget any of this! Thank you all!”
