Former Bayern star Arjen Robben has declared his surprising comeback at FC Groningen with his almost limitless affection to be his first professional club.
“I have nothing to lose, really not. My career has already ended. Why do I do that? I can describe it in one word: love of clubs. I wouldn’t do that for any other club,” said Robben when he was introduced on Sunday.
Robben, who ended his career after ten years with Bayern Munich last summer, will receive a one-year contract with the 2015 cup winner. “Of course it can fail. But should I leave it there? Maybe it will be over in a month, maybe only in two years,” said the 36-year-old, who won the 2013 Champions League with Bayern.
Robben: Not a comeback, but an attempt
His departure from active football was “more or less forced” because of physical problems, said Robben, who comes from Bedum ten minutes by car north of Groningen. As a welcome gift, he received a glass sushi plate: Club director Mark-Jan Fledderus (“This is not the master cup”) revealed that he had convinced Robben to return with a portion of sushi in Munich.
“I do this to help,” said Robben, emphasizing: “This is not a comeback, but an attempt.” The season in the Eredivisie is scheduled to start on September 12, with Robben’s goal being the battle for the places behind the big three Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord Rotterdam.
His wife Bernadien and the children Lynn, Kai and Luka attended the presentation, the family built a house in Groningen. Leaving Munich after eleven years is “a big step,” said Robben.
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