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Is it even possible to compile a list of great wingers without mentioning Arjen Robben? I think not. Currently with Bayern Munich the dynamic Dutchman has been a massive hit at all his clubs and is an integral part of the Netherlands team. For more information about the speedy winger I suggest you dive right in (No pun intended) to these Arjen Robben facts.
Arjen Robben was born on 23rd January 1984 in the small Dutch town of Bedum to Hans and Marjo Robben. Football was something that Robben took to from an early age and followed the Coerver Method, a technique invented by Dutch coach Wiel Coerver. News of Robben’s superb technical skill spread and he was soon signed up by local club FC Groningen.
It was at Groningen where he honed his now trademark skill of cutting into the penalty area from the wing and finding the back of the net. The winger soon pushed himself into the first team picture and was Groningen’s Player of the Season in 2001. Robben’s talent soon gained the attention of the big clubs and it wasn’t long before he was signed by PSV, one of Holland’s premier clubs.
Robben formed a lethal partnership with future Chelsea teammate Mateja Kezman and the pair were fondly referred to as Batman and Robben for their telepathic understanding on the field. Robben led PSV to another Eridivise title and was named the PSV Player of the Year along with the Talented Player of the Year award.
The Dutchman’s ridiculous talent gained the attention of Manchester United whose then manager Sir Alex Ferguson made a €7 million bid for the player but PSV’s chairman Harry Van Raaij stated that all they could get for that amount was Robben’s autographed shirt. A €18 million bid from Chelsea was accepted some time later and Robben soon found himself at the London club.
Robben’s debut season with Chelsea was delayed due to injury but he still managed to score 9 goals, helping Chelsea win the Premier League in 2005.The winger had a cancer scare at Chelsea after an unusual growth was spotted on his left testicle but was ultimately given a clean bill of health.
Robben spoke of the experience later saying "I was very scared. It was a difficult time when football was no longer important. The waiting was terrible for a few days. I didn't know what was going to happen to me. Then I heard the news was good and it was a massive relief."
After the storm had passed Robben soon got back to his best and helped Chelsea to another Premier League title along with an FA Cup before moving to Real Madrid for €35 million in 2007. It took no time for Robben to make an impact for Los Blancos and the winger won the La Liga in his debut season with the club. The Dutchman won the Spanish Supercup in his second season but felt threatened by the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka which caused him to move to Bayern Munich for €25 million in 2009.
Robben exploded at Munich, who were managed by compatriot Louis Van Gaal, and notched up 23 goals which helped the Bavarians win the Bundesliga along with the DFB Pokal. The Dutchman continues to be an integral player at Bayern with whom he has won 3 Bundesliga titles, 3 DFB Pokals, 1 Champions League, 1 Club World Cup.
Robben married his highschool sweetheart Bernadien Eillert on 9th June 2007 in his hometown of Groiningen. The wedding was a lavish affair and the couple were sprayed with confetti by cheering guests as they stepped out of the church. The couple have two children, a son Luka born 2008 and a daughter Lynn born 2010.
The winger is extremely close to his family and makes it a point to take some time off his busy schedule to spend time with them. Robben is especially close to his father Hans who also doubles up as his agent.
Robben is fluent in the languages of all the countries that he has stayed in and is known to speak Dutch, English, Spanish and German fluently.
Charity is something that Robben is actively involved in and has regularly appeared in charity football matches hosted by Zidane and Ronaldo who were his former teammates at Real Madrid. The winger is also associated with Kits of the World – a charity which provides talented young footballers with equipment.
Robben is sponsored by German sportswear manufacturer Adidas who supply the winger with their F50 Adizero boots. The winger is also a brand ambassador for EA Sports’ highly popular FIFA series.
Robben’s skills haven’t waned despite him being 31 and he has a lot more to offer if his performance in this year’s World Cup is anything to go by. So be prepared to be wowed by the man of glass for many more years.
