Thomas Kleine

Thomas Kleine started his career in 1983 in the youth system of his hometown club SV 09 Wermelskirchen where he trained and played for 15 years. When Thomas grew up he became of interest to Bayer 04 Leverkusen. After short talks in 1998 Kleine joined the new club. Within 5 years he delivered 6 goals in 95 appearances for the reserve team. His senior debut came in 2001, and then managing 9 more appearances for Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

In the 2003/04 season the German moved to the 2nd Bundesliga side SpVgg Greuther Fürth. During 4 years he wore captain’s armband netting 13 goals in 131 matches. In July 2007 Kleine signed for Hannover 96. The footballer made 9 Bundesliga appearances scoring 1 goal, but a year later he was purchased by Borussia Mönchengladbach for €700 thousand. Thomas earned 30 appearances for the new club and returned to Greuther Fürth. There he penned a contract till 30 June 2012 and once again became the team’s captain.

Kleine’s only international cap came in 2003 when the Germany national B squad faced Turkey. During his career Thomas played more than 300 matches and amassed more than 20 goals.