Bundesliga News

Leverkusen confirm Bellarabi departure

By Rune Gjerulff   @runegjerulff

It's now official that Karim Bellarabi will leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Karim Bellarabi.
Karim Bellarabi.Photo: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed that Karim Bellarabi will leave the club at the end of the season after 12 years.


The 33-year-old winger's expiring contract will not be renewed. If his body allows it and he gets an interesting offer, Bellarabi could imagine continuing his career outside of Europe.

"It has been a truly incredible time for me. I have experienced great things and played fantastic games for this club. I have grown so fond of Bayer 04 that this well-considered step still hurts very, very much," Bellarabi is quoted as saying.

"Karim has been an outstanding Bundesliga player for many years and has always been a sporting figurehead for the club," commented Bayer Leverkusen managing director for sport Simon Rolfes.

"I had the pleasure of playing with him myself. His runs were as feared by opponents as his dangerous shooting ability. After so many years with the Bayer jersey, I wish him all the best.

"It is a great shame that Karim will have to watch the final games of the season from the stands due to his injury. But he will be close to us and give us all his support. Also for Karim, we will try to reach the final of the Europa League against AS Rom on Thursday. He has always been an important part of the team - Karim has more than earned this crowning moment in his Werkself career," said Rolfes.

Bellarabi has made 290 appearances, racking up 57 goals and 66 assists.


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