Dutch legend, Arjen Robben who announced his decision to hang up his boots last summer after 10yr illustrious career at Bayern Munich has suddenly made a U-turn, saying on Saturday that he is ready to play for his boyhood club – FC Groningen.
The 2010 World Cup finalist [Robben] enumerated his reasons for this abrupt decision in his letter to the supporters of the club as he published on Saturday, June 27.
The letter reads:
“Dear football fans and Groningen fans, I was 12 years old when I started playing in Groningen’s youth academy.
“I made my home debut against Feyenoord when I was 16. After two years, I made a transfer to PSV. After a wonderful adventure of 18 years, we’re coming home back to Groningen.
“We’re coming home during this difficult time of crisis, one that also hits FC Groningen. It’s great to see how everyone is supporting the club, I’ve supported the club as well and it made me think about what else I could do for our club.
“These past few weeks, I’ve had many conversations with club staff and maybe more than anything I have listened to our supporters: ‘Arjen, follow your heart’.
“A comeback, as a Groningen player – I started to play with this idea, and now I’ve made it my mission!
“I want to make my comeback as a football player, a player of Groningen. At this time, I am not sure if it will happen. What I am sure of, is that my drive and motivation will be at 100 per cent.
“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 session of the new season.
“I hope to see everyone as soon as possible. Because my dream is to play in a Groningen jersey. We’re not there yet, but one can dream. I hope to see you soon.”
Robben [36] since leaving Groningen in 2002, has won league titles with PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea, Real Madrid as well as Bayern Munich.
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