Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has officially announced his retirement at the age of 35, leaving the Bundesliga club after a decade in Germany.
The former Netherlands international has enjoyed a highly distinguished career at the top of the sport and has won all there is to win at club level.
Robben shot to prominence in the Premier League with London club Chelsea, helping Jose Mourinho’s men lift the title, while he later shone for Real Madrid in Spain and ended his career with the Bavarians on German soil, where he won eight league titles and the Champions League.
He also helped the Dutch national side to a runners-up position at the 2010 World Cup and a third-place spot in 2014 as well. The ‘Flying Dutchman’ was a huge asset for clubs and his country during the course of an impressive 19-year career.
The current crop of Netherlands stars are regarded at 9/1 in the international football betting from bet365 to go all the way next summer and win Euro 2020, which will be hosted across over a dozen nations in Europe.
In light of the news that the esteemed Dutchman has decided to hang up his boots at 35 years of age, we look back on five of the left-footed magician’s best ever goals for club and country.
v Manchester United 2010
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United looked to be in a strong position in their Champions League clash with German opponents Bayern Munich at Old Trafford, but a certain Arjen Robben had other ideas.
Latching on to a pinpoint corner from teammate Franck Ribery, the Dutchman fired him a thunderbolt volley into the bottom left corner to send the Red Devils packing in Europe.
v Borussia Dortmund 2013
Maybe not the best of his goals but certainly the most important, Robben came on to the loose ball against bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund and nicely tucked home what proved to be the Champions League-winning strike.
What a moment for the Dutchman as he helped the German giants beat their closest domestic challengers to the European crown that season.
v Spain 2014
Spain were completely dismantled by the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup, and Robben was one of the star performers.
This incredible burst of pace followed by a calm finish showed the deadly Dutchman at his rapid and clinical best.
v Arsenal 2017
Arsenal were surely sick of the sight of Robben, and the Dutchman was able to produce this memorable effort against them in a European clash from 2017.
A trademark cut inside and left foot rocket unleashed!
v Barcelona 2014
Saving perhaps the best for last against Barcelona in a European meeting, Robben was again in his favourite position at wide right and was able to cut inside and fire home a peach of a goal against the Spanish side.