Dutch legend Arjen Robben announces retirement

Former Netherlands international Arjen Robben has called time on his illustrious career after 19 years, which saw him win 28 trophies in four different countries.

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The 35-year-old former Chelsea winger confirmed the news on Thursday, after leaving German Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich after 10 years.

“I have decided to put an end to my career as a professional football player,” Robben said in a statement.

“It is without doubt the most difficult decision I have had to make in my career. A decision in which ‘heart’ and ‘mind’ collided. The love for the game gives you the conviction that you can still handle the whole world, as opposed to the reality that not everything works the way you want and you are no longer the 16-year-old boy who had no idea what an injury meant.”

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Robben was capped 96 times internationally, appearing at three World Cups (including South Africa in 2010, where he helped Die Oranje to a runners-up spot) and three Euros, before retiring from international football after Holland failed to seal qualification to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Robben was also quick to refute claims his retirement was caused by health issues.

“At the moment I am fit and healthy and as a fan of many other sports I want to keep it that way for the future,” Robben said. “So I will definitely stop, but it is good that way, ” he said as quoted, by TSN.