Ex-Werder Bremen captain Kruse bashes Super Eagles star for being ‘overweight’

Former Werder Bremen strikers Martin Harnik and Max Kruse have weighed in on Victor Boniface’s return to the club’s training, Afrik Foot reports.

The 25-year-old missed out on an opportunity to sign for AC Milan in the summer after it was discovered that there were issues in his right knee.

Having previously suffered two ACL ruptures, Boniface had been nursing a damaged cartilage, and while he ended up joining Werder Bremen, he was unable to score a goal for them.

Ultimately, the Nigerian striker decided to undergo surgery, and the recovery period ruled him out of action until next season.

Werder Bremen: Harnik and Mak Kruse opine on Boniface’s fitness

Recent reports, however, state that Boniface has done excellently well in his recovery journey with Leverkusen, and his recuperation means there’s a chance he could feature again this season.

The 2024 Bundesliga rookie of the season returned to Werder’s training, and the club’s coach, Daniel Thioune, admitted he could field the Nigerian before the end of the month.

Still, Harnik and Kruse have been left unimpressed with Boniface, especially after they came in contact with a quote from Daniel Thioune, as per BILD.

“It can’t be discussed away that one or the other gram is too much. He knows that, we know that. But it’s not about fitness, but much more about posture. I see his quality and the chance that he can become a factor again. According to the motto: Better to have than need.” – Daniel Thioune

Harnik played 47 games for Die Grün-Weißen, scoring eight goals. Speaking on the Flatterball podcast, the 38-year-old gunned for Boniface, questioning the striker’s weight.

“He is already pushing a very good canister in front of him. When I get into team training, I have to be as fit as possible. But he confused fit with fat.

“He’s coming back super unfit from this injury – that’s just unprofessional. If he seriously wants to continue playing football, then he has to lose weight.

“Also to relieve his knee. Muscle mass is also not helpful. You can’t do it like that,” Harnick said.

Kruse, on the other hand, played 94 games for Werder, scoring 35 goals and 31 assists.

While he didn’t directly criticise Boniface, Kruse hinted that the striker’s appearance suggests he’s given up on his football career.

“I think he’s already given up his career. He still has his best time ahead of him. That’s a shame because he really has great potential,” the German striker explained.

“Sometimes, it doesn’t work, if you say from day one, I just take ten to 15 kilos with four weeks of training, I have then also noticed at some point it’s not as easy,” the 38-year-old concluded.

Despite the overwhelming criticism, Boniface has not publicly replied, having previously made it clear that he doesn’t take public opinions to heart.