Berlin: Dutch star winger Arjen Robben, 35, announced his retirement from football on Thursday. In a personal statement, Robben said, "It is, without doubt, the most difficult decision I have had to make in my career. I'm definitely stopping, but it's good that way."
Robben has played for the record German champions Bayern Munich for 10 years, until his contract at the club expired on June 30.
Robben's football career began in the Netherlands in 2000 at FC Groningen. He later went on to play for PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich in a career spanning almost two decades.
Robben is known as one of the best dribbler and footballer around the world, however, apart from his football skills there are other aspects which people should know:
Arjen Robben was born on 23rd January 1984 in the small Dutch town of Bedum to Hans and Marjo Robben. Football was something that Robben took to from an early age and followed the Coerver Method, a technique invented by Dutch coach Wiel Coerver.
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Robben formed a lethal partnership with future Chelsea teammate Mateja Kezman and the pair were fondly referred to as Batman and Robben for their telepathic understanding on the field.
The Dutchman ridiculous talent gained the attention of Manchester United whose then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson made a €7 million bid for the player but PSV chairman Harry Van Raaij stated that all they could get for that amount was Robben autographed shirt.
Robben debut season with Chelsea was delayed due to injury but he still managed to score 9 goals, helping Chelsea win the Premier League in 2005.
The winger had a cancer scare at Chelsea after an unusual growth was spotted on his left testicle but was ultimately given a clean bill of health.
Robben married his high school sweetheart Bernadien Eillert on 9th June 2007 in his hometown of Groningen.
Charity is something that Robben is actively involved in and has regularly appeared in charity football matches hosted by Zidane and Ronaldo who were his former teammates at Real Madrid
Robben is sponsored by German sportswear manufacturer Adidas who supplies the winger with their F50 Adizero boots.
