Eugen Bopp still enjoying his football at Basford United

NINE years on from his departure from Nottingham Forest, German midfielder Eugen Bopp is still enjoying his football in the city in which his dreams of becoming a professional footballer came true.

Having quit the pro game in 2013, the 32-year-old former Bayern Munich academy player returned to football earlier this year with Midland League Premier side Dunkirk.

Having left the Boatmen after potential investors pulled out and moves to bring in a new owner hit a snag, Bopp received a call to ask whether he was interested in a move to Evo-Stik NPL Division One South side Basford United.

Bopp told The NLP: “I got a call from the manager at Basford and he told me all about their good facilities and that I should come down and have a look at them.

“I came and met some of the lads and the coaching staff, and he [Martin Carruthers] told me about the plans for the future and it appealed to me.

“They are a big club who’ve had a couple of promotions in the last two years. They have an ambitious owner, coaching staff and group of players who all want to do well this season.”

Splitting his time between the UK and Germany before signing for Basford, Bopp has pursued a career in luxury cars and property development since hanging up his boots. His passion for the sport has reeled him back into football though, and he is working on his coaching badges.

“For me it’s just about enjoying my football,” said Bopp.

“I’m not at a professional level anymore but it’s still quite competitive so I just want to be around the lads and do my thing on the football pitch.”