After a total of 23 years in office, Dr. Reinhard Rauball, President of BV. Borussia 09 e.V. Dortmund, was given a warm send-off before the home match against VfL Bochum. The 75-year-old addressed the Black & Yellow faithful one last time, much to the delight of everyone present.

"When we found ourselves in deep trouble, he was there," said BVB stadium announcer Norbert Dickel to the supporters at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK before the match against VfL Bochum. "He has been with us since the last rescue - in 2004 - until today and, together with the management, has built Borussia Dortmund into what it is today: a successful club with healthy finances, more than 160,000 members and millions of fans."

In 2004, Rauball was elected to the office of BVB president for the third time. He put himself forward for the post at a time when BVB found itself battling for survival. Thanks in part to Rauball, the club has found stability and has since won two Bundesliga titles, lifted the DFB-Pokal three times and reached the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2013.

After Dickel's words, Dr Reinhard Rauball himself addressed the BVB fans: "I never believed that I would be associated with this club for my entire life. It has been a great honour for me to have worked for Borussia Dortmund. I hope that the club will continue will continue being successful in the future!''

He first held the highest office at the club from 1979 to 1982, when at 32 years of age the lawyer became the youngest president of a Bundesliga football club in history. Rauball's second term as BVB president lasted two years between 1984 and 1986, when his expertise was sought amidst an economic crisis at BVB. The storm was weathered, in no small part thanks to Rauball's strategic decisions.

The south stand gave the BVB president a warm reception. A large banner with the words "No here and now without you - thank you for everything Reinhard Rauball" was put up in front of the fence. After a photo and the presentation of a printed canvas, Rauball made his way to the South. It was both an emotional and fitting farewell. (jb)