Germany star, 36, comes out of retirement with eighth tier side after ditching football for poker and endurance racing
FORMER Germany star Max Kruse has come out of retirement to play for eighth tier side BSV Al-Dersimspor.
The 36-year-old announced his retirement from professional football in December 2023.
Kruse has since remained in the sport through the Baller League, a six-a-side indoor football competition founded by his former international team-mates Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski.
The ex-Wolfsburg star manages Hollywood United alongside German television presenter Jens Knossalla.
Kruse has also enjoyed playing poker in his spare time and racing at Nürburgring.
But now he is prepared to break out his boots and return to the pitch.
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Speaking on his Flatterball podcast, Kruse said: "I’m starting sports again this week.
"Because on April 28 I have my first district league game.
"Yes, I’m playing the district league again."
He is set to play for BSV Al-Dersimspor, an eighth tier side based in Berlin.
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The former attacker continued: "I don’t know yet whether that’s good for my bones.
"I want to have a bit of fun. And doing sport on the side is also good for the body."
Kruse's professional playing career spanned over 17 years.
He started at Werder Bremen in 2006 and went on to play for St Pauli, Freiburg, Borussia Monchengladbach, Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen, Fenerbahce, Union Berlin and SC Paderborn.
Kruse found himself in hot water during his time at Wolfsburg in 2016 when club officials found out he snuck off to Berlin for a poker tournament.
He won £60,000 but lost his earnings in a taxi while travelling home.
After keeping the incident under wraps for several months, he was eventually found out by Wolfsburg chiefs and fined £20,000.
And his week was made worse when the German press discovered his Nutella addiction.
He was later forced to take part in a community project on his club's behalf which was building a chicken coop.
