ARJEN ROBBEN has been offered a chance to come out of retirement at the age of 36.
The Bayern Munich hero hung up his boots last summer, bringing the curtain down on a 19-year professional career.
Brazilian side Botafogo have made an approach to bring Arjen Robben out of retirementCredit: AFP or licensors
But Brazilian side Botafogo made an approach to the Dutchman to see if they can lure him into one final swansong.
And the club’s director – who used Rio-based player agent Marcos Leite to try and work a deal – revealed the winger is “happy” with the interest.
Robben hinted at a desire to perform a U-turn recently, revealing the idea of playing again “tickled” him.
Ricardo Rotenberg told Globo Esporte: “There is a risk because he has been out of the game for a while.
“But I enquired and he answered me. He was happy about our interest.
“Leite has helped me there. It’s going to be difficult.
“Apart from the fact that he hasn’t played for a long time, he can earn four times more at another club.”
Robben won 12 league titles in the Netherlands, England, Spain and Germany, with eight of those coming during his time at Bayern.
He joined Chelsea from PSV when Jose Mourinho took over at Stamford Bridge in 2004 and spent three seasons in West London before signing for Real Madrid.
It is now time for the next chapter and I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife and children and enjoy all the good things that lie ahead for us.
Arjen Robben, July 2019
It was in Germany, though, that the winger enjoyed his most successful years.
In ten seasons he racked up 144 goals in 309 appearances for Munich and added five German Cups as well as the Champions League to his impressive trophy cabinet.
On a personal level, Robben finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or in 2014, a year in which he also came third in Uefa’s Best Player in Europe award, earned the World Cup Bronze Ball and won Dutch Sportsman of the Year.
He was also named in the Uefa Team of the Year, World Cup All-Star Team, FIFPro World XI and Champions League Team of the Season after finishing third at the World Cup with the Netherlands.
Robben racked up 96 caps for Holland, scoring 37 goals, including two strikes on their way to reaching the World Cup final in 2010.
But after a series of injuries and 702 professional matches, he decided enough was enough last year.
As he announced his retirement, the ex-Blues star said: “My love for the game and the conviction that I can still take on the world was up against the reality that things haven’t always gone the way I would have hoped and that I’m no longer a youngster of 16 who has no idea what injures can do to you.
“It is now time for the next chapter and I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife and children and enjoy all the good things that lie ahead for us.”
Botafogo are making a habit of getting in touch with former top-level stars to tempt them for a chance to play in Brazil’s Serie A.
The club managed to sign Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda in January.
They have also held talks with Manchester City legend Yaya Toure and ex-Chelsea man John Obi Mikel in recent weeks.
And Rotenberg confirmed his side want to sign former Manchester United pair Rafael and Fabio da Silva.
The twins currently ply their trade in France but expressed interest in joining the team they supported as boys when their contracts run out next year.
Robben won the last of his eight Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich last seasonCredit: Reuters
Arjen Robben soaks Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac after German Bundesliga win
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
