A Croatian football legend turned have-a-go hero is in the news in Germany after collaring a thief who had robbed a pensioner of €40.

Robert Kovac, the former Bayern Munich defender who made 84 appearances for his country, chased down the robber and handed him over to police on Friday, according to Bild.

Kovac had been out in Westend when he saw a 72-year-old man being knocked to the ground as he withdrew the money from a cashpoint.

Robert Kovac chased down a thief and recovered stolen money in Germany on Friday

His assailant, believed to be in his 20s, tried to take off from the ATM near the Block House restaurant but 42-year-old Kovac gave chase.

He eventually apprehended the suspect and wrestled him to the floor before keeping him pinned down until the authorities arrived.

Kovac was modest when asked about the incident.

'Civil courage is always important but I don't know if I would always act like that,' he said.

The former Croatia international is assistant to his brother Niko at Eintracht Frankfurt

'It depends on situation, but I'm glad it worked out.'

'You can see that he's trained,' a spokesman for Frankfurt Police told Hit Radio FFH.

Kovac is currently the assistant manager at Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, where his brother Niko holds the top job.

The siblings are currently preparing their side for the German Cup final against Borussia Dortmund, which takes place later this month.