This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
On June 27, 2020, Dutch Eredivisie side FC Groningen announced that Arjen Robben, a 36-year-old former Netherlands international, would be making a sensational comeback to professional soccer for the 2020-21 season.
Robben, who had retired last year after winning his eighth Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, will return to Groningen, where he made his professional debut as a 16-year-old in 2000.
With a glittering career spanning multiple top-tier clubs, including Chelsea, PSV Eindhoven, and Real Madrid, Robben has won 12 league titles and 96 caps for the Netherlands, including a World Cup final appearance in 2010.
According to Groningen, Robben has been back in training for the past few weeks to prepare for the upcoming season. In an interview with the club's website, Robben expressed his excitement about the potential comeback, stating, 'In recent weeks I have had many discussions with people within the club, but perhaps I listened most to the words of the supporters, who said: 'Arjen, follow your heart!'
Robben's decision to return to professional soccer was not taken lightly, and he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his ability to succeed. 'I don’t know yet whether this will work. What I do know is that it will not depend on my commitment and motivation. It is now my dream to play in the shirt of FC Groningen again,' he said.
The Dutch season is set to start on September 12, giving Robben more than two months of training to prepare.
