Niklas Sule’s switch to the German 11th tier was all fun and games until it kicked off.
The five-time Bundesliga winner retired from football upon leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season.
However, he then shocked everyone by signing for his local district league side SV Tiefenbach in the lowest tier of amateur German football.
Things finally got underway against SG Kirchardt in the Kreisliga at the weekend and Sule made his debut.
Niklas Sule’s amateur debut goes all wrong
Yet it incredible ended 7-2 to his opponents.
Asked if he had fun as he was leaving the pitch, he’s quoted as saying: “As much as a 7-2 win is fun.”
Unlike his playing days, Sule can’t completely be blamed for the goals against as he didn’t even play in defence.
The former Bayern Munich centre back mostly played in midfield and up front and even scored one of his team’s two goals.
Around 500 fans turned out for the match and afterwards his new coach pleaded for some calm.
Why Sule came out of retirement
“Perhaps the commotion will die down soon and we can concentrate on playing football,” Jason Walzel said, taking 11th tier football a little to seriously.
“Niklas hasn’t been here that long. He needs to find his feet again first.”
Sule’s signing was announced just over a month ago at the start of July and he spoke to Sky shortly after.
He told Sky Germany: “I’m really looking forward to finally experiencing football from a completely different perspective – where it’s solely about the sport itself and not about business or money.
“What’s more, two of my best friends play for SV Tiefenbach, one of whom is even a coach there.
“After 13 years as a professional footballer, it’s an absolute gift for me to be able to stand on the pitch with my buddies and fully enjoy the joy of this wonderful sport once again.”
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