One of the top players of his generation, Robben was a prime wing player for both club and country. In a career spanning over 20 years and with over 20 major trophies, we take a look at some of the greatest quotes on Arjen Robben.
With a superb scoring record of 99 league goals in 201 matches, Robben had his most successful spell with German side Bayern Munich, with whom he won the Bundesliga eight times, the domestic cup five times, and the Champions League once.
Born in a small town in the Netherlands, Robben worked his way up to the top Dutch team PSV Eindhoven, with whom he spent two seasons and won the league title, scoring 17 times in 56 domestic games.
His talent by the age of 20 saw him make further moves to Chelsea and Real Madrid, with another three major league titles captured, and regular consistent goal scoring.
His presence with Bayern helped the team become one of the top club sides in the world, forming an effective partnership with Franck Ribery, and picking up seven consecutive league titles, and the domestic double five times.
He was an important member of the Netherlands national team as well, guiding them to the World Cup final in 2010, and a semi-final appearance in 2014. He participated in six major world tournaments during his 15-year international career, and managed to net 37 times for his nation.
Arjen Robben
“For me, he is a player like John Terry or Frank Lampard…..”
Jose Mourinho (Chelsea manager)
“He’s one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe. He’s always been one of the players we wanted.”
Uli Hoeness (Bayern Munich general manager)
“…..he has incredible speed…..he is a very good all-round player…..He is a very cool and relaxed character. He is very strong for a young man…..he is very talented, one of our top talents.”
Jeroen Kapteijns (sports journalist)
“…..he shows great maturity and mental strength to go with his natural footballing skills.”
Peter Kenyon (Chelsea chief executive)
“…..able to take on and beat defenders at the drop of a hat…..”
ESPN
“Robben is a world class player. He can, as we know from experience, decide a game on his own. To stop him, you have to double him.”
Kevin Grosskreutz (Borussia Dortmund player)
“If a comparison can be made about Robben it is with Ryan Giggs…..”
Jeroen Kapteijns
“Arjen…..outstanding players…..”
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Bayern Munich chairman)
“Everything we’ve won together is incredible…..People call us ‘Robbery.’ That’s a brilliant name.”
Franck Ribery (Bayrn Munich team-mate)
“Robben is probably the greatest Bayern Munich player of the last decade.”
dw.com (website)
“Arjen is a top quality player who will become a major asset for our club…..”
Peter Kenyon
“He is quick, strong, scores goals and makes goals. He can do everything.”
Claudio Ranieri (Chelsea manager)
“He’s the biggest talent in Holland.”
Willem Visser (football writer)
“He is one of the big young talents in Holland. He has got a very good left foot and great dribbling skills.”
Jeroen Kapteijns
“Robben is very important for us…..”
Bernd Schuster (Real Madrid coach)
“He was one of the promises of our presidential candidacy for a simple reason – he is the best left winger in the world.”
Ramon Calderon (Real Madrid president)
“…..he is a very good player…..”
Bruce Buck (Chelsea FC chairman)
“…..a player of Robben’s ability…..when I was there at Chelsea, Robben showed a lot and he was the best player at the club…..It is the player who is the star and the player who has to be number one. And when Robben plays like that, he is the best in the world in that position.”
Mateja Kezman (former Chelsea striker)
“He will make our team even more attractive…..”
Uli Hoeness