Bayern's 3-0 victory over Celtic was a special match for Arjen Robben as the Dutchman made his 100th Champions League appearance on Wednesday. "It's special. A few injuries less and it would be many more. You can be a bit proud of it," said the 33-year-old, who crowned his milestone with an assist.
Robben is the second Dutchman to reach this mark after Clarence Seedorf on 125 matches. A total of only 32 players boast this number, Philipp Lahm on 112 and Oliver Kahn on 102 appearances being the two Germans with the most matches in Europe's premier club competition. "100 Bundesliga matches are remarkable, but 100 in the Champions League are something different altogether," an impressed Jérôme Boateng said about Robben, who has scored 29 CL goals so far.
He's one of the reasons why the Champions League is something very special for FC Bayern.
Jérôme Boateng
"And Arjen certainly turned in very strong displays in more than half of these matches. He's one of the reasons why the Champions League is something very special for FC Bayern," the centre-back praised the winger. Robben has worn Bayern colours in 60 Champions League matches, making 19 appearances for Chelsea, 11 for Real Madrid and ten for PSV Eindhoven.
If asked for his memories, Borussia Dortmund would almost certainly be part of Robben's answer. He made his Champions League debut on 2 December 2002, when Eindhoven took on the Ruhr valley outfit. In his third Champions League final in 2013, Robben scored the last goal in Bayern's 2-1 victory over Borussia.
"But it isn't about records, I'd rather have one more title," said Robben, focused on his goals. He aims to hit the gas this season and ideally take the coveted trophy to Munich. Robben has yet to decide on his future. "My contract ends only next summer, so I'm very calm and relaxed. I'm feeling good, I only focus on football." After all, a number of special Champions League evenings are to follow for Arjen Robben.
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