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Arjen Robben saying goodbye in Groningen
Photo: COR LASKER / AFP
Emotional farewell for Arjen Robben: The former Bayern Munich superstar has finally said goodbye to his first and last professional club, FC Groningen.
Before the 1-1 draw against RKC Waalwijk, the 37-year-old stepped onto the pitch again in the stadium of his youth club and received a standing ovation from the fans.
"I would have liked to say goodbye as a player, but that didn't happen," he said.
After a one-year break after saying goodbye to Bayern in 2019, Robben wanted to know again last season at Groningen.
But after only seven competitive games, his fragile body thwarted his plans, as is so often the case.
In the summer he had finally decided on his successful career.
He was still "glad I dared this adventure, but that was it," said the Munich Wembley hero, who shot Bayern to the title in the 2013 Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
He will remain "forever a Groninger," added Robben.
"Servus, Arjen"
"Servus, Arjen", wrote his long-time team colleague Thomas Müller under Robben's farewell tweet, Manuel Neuer wished "all the best" on Instagram.
Bayern posted the scene of Robben's winning goal in London once again and thanked their "legend".
The winger has made 96 international appearances for the Dutch national team, with whom he finished second in 2010 and third in 2014.
He had won 20 national and international titles with FC Bayern.
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