Football news - Arjen Robben calls time on playing career after coming out of retirement for boyhood club

ByCoral Barry

Updated 15/07/2021 at 12:48 GMT

Arjen Robben has retired from football for the second time. The Bayern Munich and Netherlands legend came out of retirement last year to play for his boyhood club FC Groningen, but struggled with injuries. Robben made just seven appearances last season and posted an emotional goodbye to fans. “I took up the challenge and gave everything to make it work," he said.

Netherlands legend Arjen Robben has retired from football for the second time aged 37.

The winger initially call it quits in the summer of 2019, but came out of retirement last year to play for his boyhood club FC Groningen.

It was not the romantic return Robben hoped for however, as injuries and fitness issues restricted him to just seven appearances last season.

Champions League

Arsenal star Saka 'in ridiculous form' and reminiscent of Robben - Ferdinand

08/11/2023 at 23:14

Arjen Robben: Why I returned to FC Groningen

Robben released an emotional statement announcing the news, saying: “I have decided to stop my active football career.

“A year ago I announced my comeback as a FC Groningen player. I embarked on this adventure with great energy and enthusiasm.

“I only had to deal with physical setbacks quite quickly, which prevented me from playing matches for a very long time. After a long road of trial and error I finally managed to play the last games of the season.

“Looking back on the past season, I have to come to the honest conclusion that the number of match minutes was disappointing.

• Chelsea's bid for Haaland rejected
• City turn attention to Lewandowski

“I knew in advance that this could happen, but I took up the challenge and gave everything to make it work.

And not only me, everyone within the club and in my immediate environment has helped and supported me at all times.

“I am also not unaffected by the warm reactions and support from all football fans.”

• Transfer news live: Dortmund reject Chelsea's opening Haaland bid

Robben closes the curtain on a stellar career that included a ten-year, trophy-laden spell at Bayern Munich.

The attacker won eight Bundesliga titles, five German Cups and the Champions League with the German giants.

Robben also twice won the Premier League in a three-year stint at Chelsea and La Liga with Real Madrid in 2008.

Ballon d'Or

Why was the 2013 Ballon d’Or so controversial with Ronaldo pipping Ribery?

13/10/2022 at 09:45

Euro 2020

English football’s sorry week ends with third unnecessary apology – The Warm-Up

16/07/2021 at 08:09

Eredivisie

Robben dreaming of Holland spot at Euro 2020

10/05/2021 at 13:41