Arjen Robben is refusing to put a year on his retirement and says that he will keep playing for Bayern Munich until his body betrays him.

The Dutchman made his first team debut for Eredivisie side FC Groningen in 2000 before moving to PSV two years later, scoring 17 goals in 56 games before earning a move to the Premier League.

Having spent three years at Stamford Bridge, Robben scored 15 goals in 67 appearances under José Mourinho at Chelsea.

A move to Real Madrid soon followed but it has been argued that Robben discovered his best form of his life at Bayern Munich, whom he joined in 2009 following a €25 million switch.

Robben, who turns 31 this month was one of three Bayern players in the FIFPro World XI announced on Monday, but the Dutchman is keeping his cards close to his chest over when he might retire.

“I get asked when I will finish my career more often now, since I’m getting older,” he told reporters. “I am very relaxed on this.

“As long as my body works and I’m having fun, I will go on. Maybe one, maybe two or maybe 10 years. The older you get, the better you know your body.”

Robben has shone in the Bundesliga following his switch from Spain. The 30-year old has scored 66 goals in just 119 appearances. The Netherlands international is a firm believer of Pep Guardiola’s tactics and the Dutchman believes he’s improved under the ex-Barcelona manager.

“With Pep, I had a good feeling from the start,” Robben added. “He tried to improve the team, but also tried to improve each player.

“I am thankful that I have worked with him for 18 months now. He made me develop and I thank him for that.

“We’ve played in several systems and that makes you develop as a player. I’ve had different positions; I like that, it’s fun. It’s fun to go into a tactical meeting and learn how you play somewhere new. Plus it surprises the opponent.”

The Bundesliga giants return to action on January 30 against second-placed VfL Wolfsburg, following the winter break.

VAVEL Logo
About the author