WOLFSBURG, Germany (AP) — Former Germany forward Max Kruse has agreed to be released from Wolfsburg after missing nearly three months and a spat with coach Niko Kovacs, the club said Monday.
Kruse, 34, played Wolfsburg’s first five games of the Bundesliga season but was dropped in September by Kovac, who criticized his attitude and said he lacked focus. Cruz hasn’t played since and was recently sidelined with a torn muscle. His last game for the club took place on September 3.
Kruse was under contract until the end of the season but was released with immediate effect ahead of the January transfer window.
“In an open and honest discussion, we agreed that this decision is the best for everyone involved. We wish Max all the best in the future,” said Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schaefer.
Kruse played 14 times for the German national team from 2013 to 2015 and was an overage member of Germany’s youth team at last year’s Tokyo Olympics.
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