Dutch great Arjen Robben announces retirement from Football

Dutch football legendary player Arjen Robben has decided to hang his boots from youth club FC Groningen on Thursday, which has put an end to a glorious career of almost 20 years.

The left-footed player is regarded as one of the best wingers of the game. Robben rejoined FC Groningen last year after successful stints with clubs like Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

“I’ve decided to stop with my active football career,” Robben said in a Tweet. “It was a difficult choice,” said the 37-year-old of his decision, which was also confirmed by FC Groningen.

“Everybody around FC Groningen hoped and wished that Robben would continue for another season, he has decided to stop after much deliberation,” the club said in a statement.

Robben had a glorious career and he was well known for his incredible dribbling skills. Furthermore, he had a strong left-foot and he was a play-maker for his club as well as the Netherlands.

Robben scored more than 200 goals at the club level and scored 37 goals for his national team. Arjen’s last goal in the Dutch colours came back in 2017 while playing against Sweden in Amsterdam.

Robben made a move to Real Madrid for a whopping fee of 35 million Euros. However, he moved to Bayern Munich in 2009 and played a key role in the team’s success. Robben scored a total of 99 goals in 201 Bundeliga matches for Bayern Munich.

“Looking back on the past season, I have to come to the honest conclusion that the number of match minutes was disappointing,” Robben said Thursday. “The football heart wants to continue…, but the decision to quit is fair and realistic,” Robben said.

Robben was instrumental in taking Netherlands to the final of 2010 World Cup but they were beaten by Spain by 1-0.