Bayern legend Arjen Robben will come out of retirement and will be part of his boyhood club FC Groningen’s squad for the upcoming preseason.
FC Groningen have signed Arjen Robben for the 2020-21 season, with the Dutchman returning to his childhood club.
Robben left Bayern Munich in 2019 and entered retirement after a stellar 10 year career with the club, but will now be joining Groningen, where he made his debut as a 16-year-old.
‘After a wonderful adventure of 18 years, we’re coming home,’ Robben said in a video accompanying the announcement.
The 36-year-old left Bayern Munich at the end of last season, announcing his retirement on July 4, 2019.
However, Groningen say Robben has been back in training for the past few weeks in order to be ready to go at the start of the 2020-21 season.
He says his surprise comeback is so he can help the club through a time of crisis. An official unveiling will occur at a press conference on Sunday.
‘The club can use any help during this period to get through the corona crisis,’ said Robben. ‘I myself have also participated in various actions and also thought about what else I could do for our club.
‘In recent weeks I have had many consultations with people within the club and perhaps the most listened to the supporters: “Arjen, follow your heart!”…
‘It started to itch and now it’s my mission. I’m working on a comeback as a footballer. I don’t know yet whether this will work. What I do know is that it will not depend on my commitment and motivation.
‘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 of the new season.’
Robben played 52 games for Groningen from 2000-02, scoring 12 goals. He has also played for PSV Eindhoven, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich during an impressive career.
Groningen play in the Dutch Eredivisie, which was abandoned in April due to the coronavirus crisis, with the club ending the season in ninth place.
source:- allfootballapp
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