Arjen Robben comes out of retirement, signs deal with FC Groningen

Posted Sunday, June 28, 2020 by ESPN

Arjen Robben comes out of retirement, signs deal with FC Groningen
Arjen Robben has come out of retirement to return to FC Groningen. Arjen Robben / FC Groningen

Former Netherlands international Arjen Robben has announced that he has come out of retirement to play for Eredivisie side FC Groningen.

Robben started his senior professional career with Groningen in 2000 where he spent two years with the first-team before moving to PSV Eindhoven.

After Robben announced he would leave after a decade of success at Bayern Munich, Groningen supporters started a campaign in 2018 to bring him back to the club which included a turnip truck which carried his name.

"The club can use all help in this difficult time," he told the club's website. "I have thought a lot lately about what I can do to help the club.

"I have spoken to multiple people in the club and the fans organised 'Arjen, follow your heart'. It started to get to me and now it is my mission.

"I am working on my comeback. If it will succeed, I don't know. But won't be about my motivation. It is my dream to play in the jersey of FC Groningen again"

Robben also enjoyed stints at Chelsea and Real Madrid, featured in the 2010 World Cup final and made a total of 110 Champions League appearances.

During his career, Robben won eight German Bundesliga titles, five German cups, two Premier League trophies, one FA Cup, one La Liga title, two Dutch cups and one Eredivisie title on top of the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2013.

Groningen were in ninth position in the table before the 2019-20 campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic in April.