Arjen Robben Retires From International Football

Netherland talisman Arjen Robben has concluded his international football career after his side missed out on a place at next summer’s World Cup in Russia.

The Bayern Munich wideman netted 2 goals in his final match to help them defeat Sweden in their final qualifier in Amsterdam. Notwithstanding the 2-0 victory over the Swedes, Dick Advocaat’s side wasn’t able to qualify for the World Cup. It was an ambivalent moment for the 33-year-old, as his side needed to score five more goals to confirm the ticket to Russia.

When inquired after the match, the Dutchman said: “I wanted to show one more time all the things that I can do. Fourteen years, it’s beautiful, magnificent even. I will always remember the 2010 World Cup and 2014. Those are my best memories. During those two competitions, we formed a real team.”

The former Chelsea winger has had an immensely productive career on the international stage. He had been a key man for his nation since making his international debut back in April 2003. The talented forward was involved in three World Cup finals and three European Championships for Holland.

He scored 37 goals in 96 appearances for the Dutch, with which he successfully tied his goal tally with Dennis Bergkamp for the most in the country’s history.

Robben played an instrumental role in 2010 World Cup, where they lost 1-0 to Spain in the final match. He may be better remembered for the shot that couldn’t find the net against Spain in the 2010 World Cup final, when Iker Casillas had to pull out an outstanding save to keep the talisman at bay.

The Oranje also secured the third position in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, in which the former Real Madrid winger had a crucial role to play.

The wideman has finished his international career having averaged a goal or assist every 112 minutes for the Netherlands, appending 29 assists to his 37 goals.