A few minutes in goal and a victory over Mainz – it would have been a fitting home farewell to Roman Weidenfeller as he draws the curtain on his professional career. But as it was, despite a disappointing afternoon of football, the 37-year-old still received a rousing reception as his 16 years at the club come to an end.

Recognition and thankful words, as well as a canvas photo collage presented to him by BVB boss Hans-Joachim Watzke, were followed by applause from 81,360 spectators – even those in the Mainz end – in acknowledgement of the professional career of World Cup-winner Roman Weidenfeller: the whole stadium paid tribute to a man who is bidding goodbye to BVB after 16 years at the club, where he is the second-highest appearance maker (452) behind Michael Zorc.

"Dortmund, Dortmund – we'll always be Black & Yellows, there'll never, never, never be another club," were the words coming from the crowd as Roman Weidenfeller climbed over the fence in front of the South Stand and looked up at the Black & Yellow faithful, surrounded by people who have appreciated him for all his saves during his years at BVB. He later did a lap of honour during which he carried his two-year-old son Leonard in his arms. (br)

Farewell match on 7 September