Arjen Robben on his contract and a possible move abroad

The question of Arjen Robben’s contract and whether it should be extended beyond this summer or not has been a hot topic this season. The 34-year-old winger has been an integral part of Bayern’s line-up since his move from Real Madrid almost nine years ago, but many are now of the opinion that Bayern need to move on from him (and Franck Ribery, for what it’s worth) in order to usher in a new era of Bayern wingers in the coming years.

Robben recently spoke to Abendzeitung and offered his opinion on the matter.

“I feel great and definitely want to continue playing,” stated Robben, saying that he felt good enough to continue taking on national and international competition.

To be fair to Robben, the deciding factor isn’t his performance on the pitch. With 6 goals and 10 assists to his name in all competition this season (27 games), his output has still been very, very good. Rather, it’s his ability to stay on the pitch. Having missed an average of roughly 17 matches per season over the last 3 years due to injury, the Bayern higher-ups have every right to wonder whether Robben is still a player they can rely on during the crucial stretches from April through May and into early June.

At this point in his career, a bench role may be more suited for him and his body, and may keep him healthier in the long-run. For him, though, such a proposition is out of the question.

That’s not in the cards for me. For that, I love football too much.

Should a contract extension not come to fruition at Bayern, though, a move out of Europe is also not something Robben is considering.

With all due respect: China and the USA are a step backwards. I play on the highest level, and Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I’m having fun.

With the re-emergence of Kingsley Coman this season, as well as the return arrival of Serge Gnabry, currently on loan at TSG Hoffenheim, and Bayern’s possible interest in Brazilian winger Malcom, Robben’s time at Bayern may very well be coming to an end, should he be unwilling to see his playing time compromised.

For now, though, Robben will be looking to make an impact on the pitch this Saturday against Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker. Having just missed two games due to a pinched nerve, a healthy end to the season for Robben could go a long way towards convincing the Bayern management to keep at least one half of Robbery on board past this season.