By Daily Sports on June 28, 2020
Arjen Robben is going to attempt a playing comeback with his hometown club FC Groningen.
The 36-year-old – who was capped 96 times by the Netherlands – announced his retirement almost a year ago after a 19-year professional career which started in Groningen's academy.
Robben played for PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid and ended his career at Bayern Munich - winning trophies in the Netherlands, England, Spain and Germany – and was a runner-up at the World Cup in 2010.
He won the Champions League with Bayern in 2012/13 – scoring the winning goal – and said in a video on Groningen’s social channels on Saturday that his return would “be a tough physical challenge but I am going for it!”
In an open letter to football fans across the world as well as Groningen supporters, Robben said: “Dear football fans and Groningen fans, I was 12 years old when I started playing in Groningen’s youth academy.
“I made my home debut against Feyenoord when I was 16. After two years, I made a transfer to PSV. After a wonderful adventure of 18 years, we’re coming home back to Groningen.
“We’re coming home during this difficult time of crisis, one that also hits FC Groningen. It's great to see how everyone is supporting the club, I’ve supported the club as well and it made me think about what else I could do for our club.
“These past few weeks, I’ve had many conversations with club staff and maybe more than anything I have listened to our supporters: ‘Arjen, follow your heart’.
“It will be a tough physical challenge but I'm going for it! I am going to work hard and when everything feels right I will join the team for the first training session of the new season.
“I hope to see everyone as soon as possible. Because my dream is to play in a Groningen jersey. We’re not there yet, but one can dream. I hope to see you soon.” (Sky Sports)
•PHOTO: Arjen Robben
Source Daily Sports
Posted June 28, 2020
You may also like...
World Indoor: Amusan out, Brume, Enekwechi in
Lamine Yamal vows to bring Champions League to...
Shaqiri scores dramatic late winner to give Switzerland...
Man Utd sign Yoro from Lille in £52m...
PSG to Demand €222m+ for Neymar, Not Interested...
Pacquiao Retires From Boxing
D’Tigress begin US tour with historic Sparks clash
Tinubu congratulates basketball star Anosike on NBL title, MVP award in China
NSC announces UK trials for diaspora athletes
Adams calls for urgent reset in Nigerian football
Playing for Nigeria felt like playing for Real Madrid – Arokodare
Playing for Nigeria felt like playing for Real Madrid – Arokodare
NFF opens talks with Osula over Eagles switch
Brume, Okezie join global stars for Kip Keino Classic
NPFL confirms May 24 season end date
NCF proposes elite cricket league
Trump envoy wants Italy to replace Iran at World Cup — Report
Gala intensify Osimhen’s special recovery plan
Most Read
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,727 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,051 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,983 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,575 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,504 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,403 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,254 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,800 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,988 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,497 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,912 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,375 views)