Along with Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben has probably been the most influential player in the Bayern squad over the past ten years. Like his French teammate, the Dutchman will leave the record champions in the summer. The decade has gone by in a flash, but this is a good sign for Robben. "When time passes quickly, it means you’ve had a great time. That you’ve had fun and feel good," said the 35-year-old at the press conference on Tuesday looking back on his career at FCB.
At the DFB Cup final in Berlin, the winger will probably play for the last time in a competitive match for Bayern. Even though it’s one and a half weeks away, Robben isn’t even thinking about it. "I'm only thinking about the here and now, and have full focus on Saturday," he explained, looking ahead to the Bundesliga finale against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Precise ideas
"This is a very special game and I want to put all my energy into Saturday," he said. One point would give Bayern the title. Of course, Robben would like to push right from the start and personally fire his team to the title - just like he did at Wembley.
"That would be sensational," he admitted, "I’ve played out the game on Saturday three times in my head." The result of these imagined games is obvious. "Those were just dreams. But you have to make dreams come true and I'm convinced that it can happen!" It would be the crowning glory of a unique career at Bayern. Seven German championship titles, four DFB Cup triumphs and victory in the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. The serial winner didn’t hint at what will happen after his time at Bayern. He would like to decide after the season whether he will continue playing or end his career. Until then, there are two more trophies to play for.
Full throttle for two more games
"I always want more. That’s how I play, that’s how I live." Robben is still not satisfied. He’s always had this quality about him, and the fans have appreciated it. "It’s in my character, maybe my parents are to blame. Without this mentality, I might not have made it so far," said the winger, pointing out that even his colleagues sometimes say "I'm crazy."
But that is exactly what makes him stand out and he’s led FCB through one of the most successful phases in the club’s history. "The club has come a long way and I'm proud to have played my part," said Robben happily and gratefully, calling the move to the south "the best and most important step in my career." The appreciation is mutual. Arjen Robben and FC Bayern, they go together – and this era could now be finished with two more titles.
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