A smile, a start: Arjen Robben is back

The 36-year-old former star of the German soccer record champions FC Bayern Munich played - as agreed - the first half hour in the test match of the Dutch first division club FC Groningen at FC Almere City.

“Good luck,” the Munich team wished their former wing dribbler, who had actually ended his highly decorated career a year ago, even before he made his first contact with the ball. Robben worked hard again for his youth club and got himself into playing shape in the last few weeks.

Arjen Robben in action. © APA/afp / COR LASKER

He wanted and should make his comeback a good week ago. But Robben had trained too hard in preparation and the return against PEC Zwolle fell through. Robben had “exceeded the limits in his training program” during the week, Groningen coach Danny Buijs explained. This time he said before the game, in which Robben was allowed to kick-off with a big smile: “I hope he doesn’t make twenty tackles.”

Robben survived the half-hour operation unscathed. With the score 1-0 for Almere City, the striker was replaced in the 31st minute by Swede Ramon Pascal Lundqvist, who is 13 years his junior. The game ended 1-1. Hardly any fans, but a big media event The transmitter Fox Sports Netherlands had specially set up a live blog. FC Groningen kept the fan base, which was virtually left out due to the coronavirus pandemic, updated via its social networks.

The 96-time Dutch international was active for Groningen in his youth, having started his career in the youth academy in 1996. He also made his professional debut for the club and played 46 games for the first team. “I’m here to play football, not for season tickets” He moved from Groningen to PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2002, and two years later Robben signed for Chelsea. After three years with the Blues and another two seasons with Real Madrid, he came to FC Bayern in the summer of 2009 and played a key role in the success of his many years in Munich.

The fact that he now wants to compete again for FC Groningen, the “Pride of the North”, is above all a matter of the heart. “I do it for the love of the club,” Robben emphasized in June. He wouldn't have done that for another club. Robben said on Saturday that there was still a long way to go before he would be fully fit again Fox Sports , but also made it clear: “I’m here to play football, not for season tickets.”

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A smile, a start: Arjen Robben is back

He came out of the locker room warming up with a grin on his face. A few short steps – and he was where he really wanted to be again. “Finally back on the pitch,” said Arjen Robben on Saturday after his comeback.

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