“I still want to contribute to the team, and I’m sure I can do that” — Arjen Robben on his final games

Arjen Robben, the legendary Bayern Munich winger is getting close to the end of his time in the Bavarian capital. He has only three games left to play in the red shirt, and then it’s time for new challenges. Now he has recovered from a lengthy injury, and in his latest interview with Bundesliga.com, he talks about the future, his legacy, and the potential double.

After the game against Hannover, the fans showed their love for the Dutchman. It was a very emotional moment for the winger, as he counts his last games for Bayern:

It’s very bittersweet. First of all, that was a very special moment. It was one I’d waited for, because I wanted to get back out on the pitch. The reception from our fans gave me goosebumps, and I’m extremely grateful to them for it. On the other hand, it’s difficult to be leaving, but you always have to try to see the positives. I have had 10 unbelievably nice years here and I want to enjoy the last few games before it is all over.

It meant a lot for the player, and it was obvious, but Robben himself explains it:

I just love to play so you’re happy when you can play after a long time on the sidelines. It’s like being a seven- or eight-year-old again, or a 12- or 13-year-old, you just have fun. I hope I can end on a high, and I think that’s still very possible.

In modern football, transfers are very frequent, and the likes of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, and Thomas Muller are very rare. Ten years at one club is a long time and very rare for today’s footballers. How did Robben achieve that?

Simply because everything fit here. Everything was right for me and my family. I felt comfortable at the club from day one, and my family is happy here too. It was just a perfect fit. In football there are always ups and downs, which you need to be able to deal with, but overall it’s been a very successful time and I’m very happy.

The last three games are approaching and the title race is not over just yet. The final in DFB Pokal awaits him. The expectations are high:

I’m really looking forward to them [the last games], and I fought and trained hard to be back. I’ve said it already - and I remain convinced - that I’m not here just to say goodbye and to stand on the pitch waving at the fans. I still want to contribute to the team, and I’m sure I can do that. The injury can’t be an excuse now either, even though you would usually say: five months out, so I’ll have to work my way back slowly. That doesn’t matter at the moment, so I have to be prepared mentally. I’m prepared, and if I’m needed we’ll see what I can do.

The future is still uncertain for Mr. Wembley and there is a lot of speculation about it. Will he continue his footballing career and where, and will he be a manager soon?

I don’t know. I haven’t concerned myself with that yet. First, we have to get past these final games and then we’ll see what happens after that. I enjoy working with kids and with younger players, having fun and helping them improve. There’s plenty of work to be done in youth football, so we’ll see what happens.

Together with Franck Ribery, the combination of “Robbery” has been one of the greatest winger duos of all time. But, if Robben could choose one attribute from Franck, which one would Robben choose?

His right foot for certain, of course (laughs). I think we’re quite similar in some ways and quite different in others. That shows up in the stats, so he has more assists and I have a few more goals.

The departure of Robbery will definitely mark the end of an era for Bayern. What will the future hold for the players and the Bavarian club? We will have to wait for the historic summer to come!