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.
DrFranckeinstein
1038
The fastest way of getting information on football is by installing All Football on your phone
Harsh9
697
Defenders.... Especially Left Back..Get ready For Cut Ins....
Ronaldoballer7
614
I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once but i the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times
Harsh9
489
Everyone Knows Robben Will Cut inside To take a Shot..But You can't stop Him.. because you don't know When he will Cut In... He is simply a Legend.... Robben Happy to See You Back....
Andy_Mac
394
I am focusing on my life but I am also focusing on others unlike you so shut up please see I asked nicely so please shut up
You asked him to shut up and it was anything but nice. Which school do you attend? I bet they don't know what values are. Try to use more respectful words instead of "shit" and also remember that this is an online platform for all football fans which includes Arsenal fans. If you don't like it, then you're free to leave 🙄