'I'm always available': Kruse still hungry for more Caltex Socceroos duty after Victory return

Robbie Kruse says he wants to play a role in the Caltex Socceroos’ qualifying campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and hopes his return to the Hyundai A-League with Melbourne Victory will help prolong his international career.

The 30-year-old attacker will play his club football in Australia for the first time in eight years after signing a two-year deal with Victory on Tuesday.

Speaking at his unveiling in Melbourne on Thursday, Kruse admitted he came home to repay Victory for helping him forge a football career almost a decade ago.

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But the prospect of playing regular football and adding to his 75-caps for the Caltex Socceroos was also part of his decision.

“I’ve said I will always put my hand up to play for the national team. I’m fortunate enough to have played 75 times and as a kid I never dreamt of being able to do that,” Kruse said.

“I’ve been in regular contact with [coach Graham Arnold]. I spoke to him the other day. We were open about it, ‘I said I’m always here’.

“If I’m performing well enough and up to the levels required to make the national team, I’m more than happy to contribute to the qualifying phase.

“It is a long qualifying phase and it’s very difficult once you get to the second round. I think my experience can be of some use but it will come down to how I’m performing.”

Victory boss Marco Kurz with new signing Robbie Kruse
Victory boss Marco Kurz with new signing Robbie Kruse

It was at Victory that Kruse really forged his career as a professional, after a string of off-field issues plague him at first club Brisbane Roar.

Kruse played two seasons for Victory between 2009-2011, scored 16 goals in 39 appearances and was catapulted into Europe with German side Fortuna Dusseldorf.

“The club [Victory] has always had a special place in my heart,” Kruse told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday.

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“I was in a tough spot when I finished in Brisbane and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do…I wasn’t sure if I was even going to be playing football.

“Melbourne gave me a lifeline. I saw what it takes to be a professional and that’s what this club provides, you get help on and off the pitch.

“It gave me the platform to reach my potential and I’ll be forever grateful for that.”

It’s that debt of gratitude that convinced Kruse to come back to the Hyundai A-League despite plenty of offers to remain in Europe.


His family – which includes his wife and young son – also came into his thoughts on returning to Melbourne.

Of course, his big motivation is on the pitch.

“I’m here to win titles because that’s what Melbourne Victory does,” Kruse declared.

“They aren’t a team that rebuilds, they are always up there, the fans expect that and it’s no different now.

“With the changes happening now and the coaches and staff we have in recruiting, it’s an opportunity now to refresh and I’m sure we’ll have a really good team come the start of the season.

“It’s an exciting time and I’m looking forward to helping the team and help galvanise the new players and the young players and lead by example.”

Robbie Kruse 'has the quality Victory need', according to coach Marco Kurz
Robbie Kruse 'has the quality Victory need', according to coach Marco Kurz
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