FORMER Napoli star Diego Demme fought his way from the depths of German football into MMA via a triumphant stint in Serie A.

The midfielder began his career with Arminia Bielefeld in the fourth tier of the pyramid in his homeland and helped Napoli end a 33-year wait for a Scudetto in 2023.

He was forced to retire just four years later after suffering two serious head injuries while playing for Hertha BSC.

Demme told FourFourTwo: “I retired because of the two head injuries I had in the last two years.

“That was a difficult time for me, and that’s why I decided to finish my career.

“I wanted to stop while I was healthy, and after the problems I had with my head injuries, I decided to not take any risk again on the field.”

Demme’s big break came when he joined RB Leipzig from Paderborn in 2014 and helped the Red Bull-sponsored outfit get promoted twice and become a regular in Europe.

The one-cap Germany midfielder joined Napoli in 2020 and won the Coppa Italia before a historic Serie A title.

His return to Germany took a turn when he was struck on the temple by a ball from close range and knocked out.

Concussion symptoms made his final two seasons as a pro hell, and Demme decided to make a tough call for the sake of his family.

He explained: “It was a difficult situation. I felt very bad due to the concussions, and that was the first time I felt, ‘What the f**k is going on?’

“I couldn’t drive the car. I needed to be there for my kids, and I couldn’t. I have a wife and family, and the most important thing was to be there for them, so I felt it was better to stop football.”

Despite attracting interest from Italian clubs including Empoli, Cesena, Catania and Sorrento, Demme decided against extending his playing career. Retirement, however, has hardly meant slowing down.

The 34-year-old has brought a taste of Italy with him to Berlin and runs two Neapolitan pizzerias, while spending time with his daughters Gia, 6, and Ellie, 3.

He is seeking to become a qualified padel coach, as well as training in boxing and MMA.

Fitness will be key as he makes his return to the field Plyrs United in the Icon League — an indoor event run by Toni Kroos.

Demme said: “I didn’t want to join another club where I’d move due to the fact that my eldest daughter started school this summer, so I decided to stop.

“But now, I feel good again, and I feel like the old Diego before my injuries. I will play the Icon League because the physical risk isn’t as much as a regular Bundesliga match.”