Arjen Robben is one of the absolute club legends at Bayern Munich. The right winger had his greatest moment in the 2013 Champions League final when he scored the winning goal against BVB. At the end of his professional career, the Dutchman returned to his hometown club FC Groningen, although there were one or two alternatives.
“At the end of my career I also had completely different offers. But this is at home here. I have a lot to thank the club for. You can’t forget where you come from,” Robben revealed in FC Bayern’s club magazine “51”.
The 39-year-old had already said goodbye to Munich in 2019. Due to injury concerns, the left foot had been taking painkillers in the weeks before. “I somehow maneuvered my way through. But it was clear: It couldn’t go on like this. That made it a little easier for me to say goodbye to football,” Robben looked back.
The Dutchman switched from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich in 2009. In the 2011/12 season, Robben suffered one of the most bitter defeats of his career in the “Finale dahoam” against Chelsea. But just one year later, the winger advanced to become the great Munich hero with a winning goal in the premier class final against BVB (2-1).
FC Bayern: Arjen Robben convinced of victory against BVB
“Everything had to happen so quickly, I didn’t hit the ball perfectly – but it was just right,” said Robben about his golden moment in the 89th minute. The veteran had no self-doubt before the duel with Borussia Dortmund.
“I still remember exactly how I was sitting in the bus to the stadium, at the window, music on my ears – I was so convinced: Whatever happens, we’ll win today!” said Robben.
He was also convinced when he took part in the finals in 2010 and 2012, “but 2013 was different again. Win, that’s the end of it.” An attitude that should pay off.