Broich, who speaks English very well, is currently in the middle of a degree in global politics.

Given the appalling backroom politicking in FIFA’s recent World Cup bidding process, the thought of footballers making decisions – rather than career politicians – would probably go down well with most fans.

But that’s all speculation right now as the 30-year-old Roar talisman prepares for life after football.

“I read an article in a German newspaper saying that one third of the players in the Bundesliga go broke after their career,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“I definitely don't want that to happen to me. A proper education gives me the opportunity to lead a successful life once I have finished football. The major part of my life lies still ahead of me.

“I want to have a wife and kids one day and I absolutely want to be prepared for that."

He said it wasn't his plan to study when he came to Australia last year but the A-League's career advisers inspired him to think a little more about life as an ex-pro.

“We had a couple of meetings with our career adviser and I realised what a good opportunity it is for me to play football and at the same time get prepared for my future life,” he said.

The German-born star, a former Mönchengladbach, Cologne and Nuremburg midfielder who moved to Brisbane Roar and swiftly became the team’s X-factor on their way to the A-League double, is not your average footballer.

Not only was he a smash-hit on the park, but the urbane number 10’s intelligence also caught the eye.

“It would certainly be nice to do something different after all these years in football," he added.

"On the other hand football is my passion; there is probably nothing in the world where I have a comparable expertise.

“Maybe it's best to broaden my horizon by working for companies outside of football and then get involved in football again. But that's just hypothetical. For now it is important to get a good education and later I will go wherever it takes me.”

Broich also listens to classical music and is said to be handy with a number of musical instruments. Not your average footballer who was once described as “quirky” by his teammates.

But at a time when the game is largely run by political figures rather than ex-professional players, it would be nice to think of players like Broich as being qualified enough to play some role in administering the game in the future.

And he’s showing the same appetite for hard work off the park in his studies as he does on it.

He said: “As I am not a native speaker and this [marketing] was my first unit it took me up to 15 hours a week to do all the reading, the weekly exercises and the assignments.

“But it already got better towards the end, I am working more efficiently now. The subject itself is great fun. I mean there are boring parts as well but most of it is pretty interesting.”

Broich’s course – completed through Open Universities Australia (OUA) and backed by Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) - recognises students' need for flexible learning schedules that fit into their lives meaning that you can design your study around your lifestyle.

The Roar star added: “There is something similar in Germany but most players are not aware of the existing programs. The German players' association provide information but you have to ask for it.

“In Australia, our career advisor comes to the club on a regular basis, providing assistance if necessary and having a chat about the individual player’s progress and experiences.”