Arjen Robben, the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea player, has retired from professional football at the age of 35.
Robben, who is also a former Netherlands international, was hampered by injuries last season. His contract with the Bundesliga club expired last month and Bayern decided not to extend it.
Robben started his career with FC Groningen 19 years ago. He also played for Real Madrid and PSV. Amazingly, Robben won trophies at every club that he played for. He won eight Bundesliga title during his stay with Bayern. His stay at the Stamford Bridge also yielded two trophies after they won two Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.
Robben’s career with the Blues started in 2004 when he left FC Groningen for Chelsea. He then made 105 league appearances for Chelsea and netted 19 goals for the club. Aside from winning back-to-back Premier League trophies, Robben and Chelsea won the FA Cup in 2007 and the League Cup twice.
In 2007, the Dutchman left Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid. During his first year with the Los Blancos, Robben and Real Madrid won the La Liga title. In 2009, Robben joined the Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich.
Robben also played for his home country, the Netherlands. He was capped 96 times and was part of the team that took the 2010 World Cup silver medal. The Netherlands lost to Spain in the final in South Africa.
Throughout his football career, the Dutchman won more than 30 trophies. It is not known whether Robben will follow the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane, Frank Lampard and other football greats, or will he really retire from active professional football?
In a speech, Robben said: “I was able to play in six major tournaments and was the captain in the final years. All in all an unforgettable time that I will always cherish.”
