Marcel Schmelzer to continue his rehab at Borussia Dortmund beyond the end of the season

Marcel Schmelzer will stay at Borussia Dortmund beyond the end of the season, so that he can continue and complete his rehabilitation at the club.

Schmelzer’s Borussia Dortmund contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and it was thought that he would be leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. But the Black and Yellows have now confirmed that he will be staying on for some time.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc heaped praise on Schmelzer while announcing the news.

"“Marcel Schmelzer is a player who has made outstanding contributions to Borussia Dortmund and has always identified 100 percent with our – and his – club,” Zorc said. “It goes without saying that we will give Marcel the opportunity to continue and complete his rehab at BVB beyond the end of this season.”"

Schmelzer suffered a knee injury last season and underwent surgery in July 2020. The 33 year old has been working on his rehab ever since, and hasn’t played at all this season. It is still unlikely that he will play again professionally for Borussia Dortmund. But if he wants to play for another team after returning to full fitness, the BVB bosses will give him the option to do so.

But Zorc also confirmed that it is the wish of everyone involved to integrate Schmelzer at the club after he ends his playing career.

"“It is already the wish of all those involved to integrate Marcel Schmelzer at BVB following his career and to support him to the best of our ability so that he can pass on his wealth of experience to the next generation.”"

Marcel Schmelzer joined Borussia Dortmund in 2005, and has spent his entire professional career with the club. He has made a total of 367 competitive appearances for Der BVB, winning Bundesliga titles and three DFB-Pokals with the club. He also captained the team from 2016 to 2018.

Borussia Dortmund would also like to organise a farewell match for Lukasz Piszczek and Marcel Schmelzer sometime over the next few months. However, concrete plans have not yet been made and it will depend on whether fans can be allowed into the stadium.