Robbie Kruse admits he would not be playing in Germany if it wasn't for the Melbourne Victory.
The 24-year old attacker got the opportunity to join Bundesliga club Fortuna Dusseldorf in the European summer of 2011 after some brilliant form with the Victory and he was extremely grateful to the A-League club for their influence in him making a dream move abroad.
"Had it not been for Melbourne Victory I'm not sure where I'd be right now, but I guarantee you I wouldn't be in Germany playing for Fortuna Dusseldorf," he wrote in the Herald Sun.
"Born and bred in Brisbane, I was having a tough time there after things started so well and word spread across the A-League about my ill-discipline.
"I was only 21, but very few clubs were willing to give me a chance, so state league soccer or early retirement loomed.
"After some convincing, (former Victory head coach) Ernie Merrick gave me an opportunity to resurrect my career and I took it.
"Now I'm playing for the Socceroos and in the German Bundesliga, one of the world's strongest leagues."
This season in Germany's top flight for Dusseldorf, Kruse has made 15 appearances, scoring two goals and providing four assists for a total of 31 outings since arriving at the Esprit Arena.
