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A loyal member of Bayern Munich since 2009, Arjen Robben has been a key player in the club’s success. The Netherlands international suffered a groin injury during Saturday's pre-season friendly away against fifth-tier outfit SV Lippstadt and he will be sidelined for six weeks. Despite his injury issues, the club still recognizes his importance and what Robben can offer going forward.
"We support him wherever we can. He knows that he can rely on us. I believe this is the crucial criteria: We are a reliable partner, also in difficult moments, and this is a difficult moment right now. We have great trust in each other and my wish for him is that he experiences a season that pleases him and that pleases the club and in which he hopefully only picks up a few injuries. Then nothing speaks against prolonging things beyond 2017."- Karl Heinz Rummenigge, Sport1 (translation via ESPNFC)
Even Robben admits that staying at Bayern Munich beyond 2017 has a certain attraction:
"No, that is not important for me at the moment. I will try to become fit, I want to train and play. That is the only thing that matters. Everything else will come. I have a very good relationship with the club and the board of directors. We have a big appreciation and respect for each other and we know what we have together. That's the only thing that matters. Contract, yes or no, one year, two years, three years … that is not important for me. I just want to play." Arjen Robben, GOAL
Arjen Robben should stay. He is an important part of Bayern's success on and off the field. Although the Dutchman has been injured frequently, he's still always good for an important goal, even if he's brought in for a few minutes. He has a lot of experience that he can share with the new and young players coming up as well not to mention the importance veteran players like Robben around to help keep the young players focused and calm during the biggest matches. He just needs to stay healthy.
Though at the very least when Arjen Robben leaves Bayern Munich, he will be remembered as a club legend.