Precision is the name of Green's game on and off the field

Michael Green has always been precise. The former Germany hockey international was quick to link the ball to his forwards, while marshalling a defence considered one of the strongest in the world.

Precision is even more essential in his line of work: he is an orthopaedic surgeon.

The 39-year-old Green, a former World Player of the Year (2002) who represented his country at the highest level for 15 years, including two Olympic Games (Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000), is in good company.

He is one of several German ex-internationals who have pursued a medical profession after retiring from the game. Former Germany stars Carsten Fischer, Klaus Michler, Bj?rn Michel and Christoph Eimer had also gone back to school, completed their degrees and become respected in the medical profession. 'I always wanted to be a surgeon, not just because both my parents are doctors,' said Green, who will lead the Euro All-Stars against the Hong Kong Barbarians in a three-match series at the HKFC Sixes starting this Thursday.

'I finished my studies at the end of 1999 and started working in a hospital straight after the Sydney Olympics [in 2000]. My first specialisation was in general surgery in 2007. I became an orthopaedic surgeon in 2010, which is something I prefer because of my sports background,' said Green.

Green's knowledge and experience of the game - he made 320 appearances for his country - is being put to good use as he works with a team of doctors on injured players. He specialises in knee and shoulder reconstructions, treatment of meniscal tears and ruptured cruciate ligaments - all common sports injuries.