The 37-year-old last ended his career at his home club FC Groningen.
A run over the right wing, an explosive dribble with the ball on the left foot to the middle, shot and – very often a goal by means of a flick into the far corner. The way in which Arjen Robben scored most of his goals in his career has often been predictable, yet difficult to defend.
Not anymore. The Dutchman announced the end of his career on Twitter on Thursday. “This decision was not an easy one for me. I would like to thank everyone for their heartwarming support,” wrote the former Dutch national team captain.
Robben had his best time with Bayern, where he played from 2009 to 2019 and had his brightest moment in 2013. In the final of the Champions League he scored the 2-1 winning goal against Dortmund in the 89th minute at Wembley Stadium. A year earlier he had become a bogeyman because he missed a penalty in extra time against Chelsea in the “Home Final” in Munich.
Robben had basically ended his career once before, after his departure from Bayern in 2019. After a year break, he returned to the field and last played for his home club FC Groningen. He wore the jersey of the Dutch Elftal 96 times and scored 37 goals.
Best voetbalvrienden,
I lift the plumbing to stop with my actieve voetbalcarrière. Een heel moeilijke keuze. Ik wil iedereen thank you for all hard-warming steun!
Groetjes, Arjen pic.twitter.com/aAEdxdL5tU
– Arjen Robben (@ArjenRobben) July 15, 2021
