Brisbane-born Kruse, 22, joined Victory in 2009 after a number of off-field incidents affected his progress during his time at Brisbane Roar.

Since Kruse's move to Melbourne he has gone onto win five Socceroos caps, scoring one goal at the 2011 Asian Cup and now has sealed a switch to German 2.Bundesliga club Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Kruse told the Herald Sun he owes a lot to Victory and one day wants to return to the club.

"They helped me through the process of turning me around and helping my career, especially off the pitch,” Kruse said.

“They're close to my heart and one day I want to come back to Melbourne. Either here or Brisbane. But Melbourne is number one because everyone at the club came up for me and I'd like to pay the club back.

"I was at a crossroads - there was the offer to come to Melbourne and it was good that my family pushed me to get away from Brisbane. It definitely turned me around and worked out really well.

“I always intend to come back to Victory when I finish. They helped me turn my life around."

Kruse, who completed his duties with Victory after the midweek AFC Champions League draw with Jeju United, will soon set off for Fortuna Dusseldorf who are currently eighth in the 2.Bundesliga.

The youngster revealed he'd rejected the chance to join a Bundesliga club before signing with the second tier outfit who he hopes will offer him regular football.

"Dusseldorf is a wonderful city and I can't wait to get over there and get started," Kruse said.

"The coach emphasised to the media not to put too much pressure on me and that I'm young and still learning, which is true. But I'm a confident person and I reckon I can go there and make an impact straight away.

"I'll be working hard and if I do work hard the rewards will come. It's a scenario where I want to be playing every week and performing well rather than going to a Bundesliga team and battling and getting 10 minutes here and there."