Groningen: Dutch winger Arjen Robben at the age of 37 announced his retirement on Thursday from professional football after 21 years of a stellar career. Although his retirement was anticipated in 2019 after the winger parted ways with German super club Bayern München, Robben returned to his boyhood club Groningen for one final season which was succumbed to injuries.
Robben has confirmed the news in an official statement on his social media accounts, while also posting a short message to his followers.
“Dear football friends, I have decided to stop my active football career,” the caption on his latest Twitter post reads. “A very difficult choice. I want to thank everyone for all the heartwarming support!” Regards, Arjen.”
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Robben started his senior career with Groningen back in 2000. In 2002 designed for Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven inspiring them to win the league title and eventually signing for Chelsea in 2004. In the Chelsea jersey, he added six more title to his name including twin Premier League and a FA Cup scoring 19 goals in109 appearances before signing for Spanish Giants Real Madrid in 2007. He was sold to Bayern two years later following underwhelming performance. Robben’s career reached it’s peak in Bayern registering over 144 goals in 309 appearances over 10 seasons securing 20 titles with the team including eight Bundesliga titles and one UEFA Champions League title until 2019 before returning to Groningen . His season at Groningen was laden with injuries and he finally decided to hang his boots.
