Ilkay Gundogan has revealed that the news of Marco Reus signing a new contract with the club handed Borussia Dortmund a vital boost before Friday's 4-2 victory over Mainz 05.
Jurgen Klopp's side triumphed in an enthralling match at the Allianz Arena to climb out of the bottom three in the Bundesliga, and Gundogan believes that his teammate's decision to commit his future to Dortmund is the right one.
"Marco Reus signing a new contract was a brilliant piece of news for the whole club and I think he's made the right decision for himself. It gave us a little boost and did the whole team a lot of good, and we put in an excellent display," the midfielder told reporters.
"I was ill this week and wasn't around, but I can confirm from a very reliable source that Reus was applauded in the dressing room.It's something special to be allowed to play here, and I think Marco belongs here, too."
Dortmund's victory over Mainz made it successive Bundesliga wins for just the second time this season.