Max Kruse, who is no longer considered for VfL Wolfsburg, narrowly missed out on the title at the German Poker Championship.

Max Kruse almost became German champion for the first time – but not in football. The VfL Wolfsburg professional only had to admit defeat in the final for the German Poker Championship on Monday evening in the heads up and narrowly missed out on his second tournament victory within a short time at poker. Nevertheless, it is the next success for the 34-year-old at the poker table. “Second place – unfortunately no title for me. But still fun,” Kruse, who received 48,764 euros for second place, wrote in his Instagram story.

The ex-national player, who was sorted out at VfL Wolfsburg, now wants to turn his focus back to football after some action off the pitch. “Now the full attack goes back to football,” Kruse had also shared via Instagram on Sunday. “I want to be able to train properly again as soon as possible, I want to be fit again as soon as possible. Because: my career is definitely not over yet.” Kruse has been out for weeks due to a torn muscle fibre. It remains to be seen whether he will be back for Wolfsburg’s training kick-off on 1 December.

VfL, where coach Niko Kovac no longer has any use for Kruse, would prefer to get rid of the striker in the winter despite his contract running until summer 2023. However, there are no concrete interested parties yet. “Where and how and whatever happens, no idea,” said Kruse.