Max Kruse was taking part in top-flight soccer for Wolfsburg as lately as 2022 and represented Germany on the 2021 Olympics.
However at age 36, the 14-cap former full worldwide is now plying his commerce down within the German regional leagues, representing Kreisliga A facet BSV Al-Dersimspor II.
For these not intimately aware of the German soccer pyramid, that is Step 9 of the German league. The equal of the English Counties League Premier Divisions, is the place the likes of Tadcaster Albion, West Didsbury & Chorlton, Barnstaple City and Tooting & Mitcham play.
VIDEO How Guardiola Has Invented A New Place For Rico Lewis
Kruse was a prolific top-level striker all through his Bundesliga profession, reaching double figures for Freiburg, Borussia Monchengladbach, Werder Bremen and Union Berlin.
The goalscoring playmaker was thought-about a tad unfortunate to not have made it into the triumphant 2014 World Cup squad a decade in the past, however was certainly one of 16 Mannschaft gamers chosen to be rendered in Lego kind in 2016 alongside the likes of Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller.
At his peak, Kruse was part of Germany’s nationwide setup across the time they gained the World Cup (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Kruse can look by with delight on his taking part in profession and now appears to be having fun with taking part in away from the highlight.
Kruse made his return to Wolfsburg in January 2022 and scored seven targets in 14 video games for the out-of-form facet to assist them keep away from the relegation zone, however departed later that yr.
Kruse has carried out punditry and podcasting (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
After a brief stint with second-tier Paderborn final yr, Kruse introduced his retirement from skilled soccer
Kruse now co-hosts a podcast with former Werder Bremen teammate Martin Harnik, and has repeatedly appeared at big-money poker tournaments around the globe since 2014.
Extra tales
Cristiano Ronaldo tipped for ANOTHER sensational shock return to Previous Trafford
REVEALED: The soccer golf equipment with the most important social media followings
Quiz! Title each UCL finalist since 2000 to have performed within the Premier League
