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Netherlands crash out of World Cup, Arjen Robben retires

Bayern Munich winger and captain of the Dutch national team have retired from international football after Netherlands crash out of the Russia 2018 World Cup.

Arjen Robben announced his retirement after his two goals against Sweden was insufficient to edge them into the Russia 2018 World cup.

“I wanted to show one more time all the things that I can do,” Robben said after the game.

Netherlands needed seven goals to pull through on a night that gifted them just two in the play offs. Robben, 33, played for Groningen between 2000 and 2002, PSV in 2002-2004 seasons before moving to England where he played for Chelsea between 2004 and 2007.

He moved to Spain where he joined Champions Real Madrid between 2007 and 2009, making 50 appearances and netting 11 goals. He joined his current club Bayern Munich in 2009 and has made 172 appearances scoring 92 goals and two on his debut for the German giants.

Robben first appeared for Netherlands during the U15 Championship in 1999. He went ahead to feature for Netherlands in the U16 and U17 between 1999 and 2000 where he made 11 appearances and scored four goals.

He came into lime light proper in 2001 through 2003 as an U19 player making 16 appearances and scoring three goals.

Robben played for the senior team in 2003 before his retirement in 2017 having made 96 appearances with 36 goals to his tally.

He appeared at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championship and the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.

He helped Netherlands to the finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa where they lost to Spain 1-0 in final match of the tournament.

“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,” he said.

“I have already considered it for a while, but then I went on. I wanted to finish this qualification.

“I’m 33 years old now. I’m playing at a top club in Europe and I want to concentrate on it now. It’s also a good time to hand over the baton.

“I still feel very good and want to be at the top as long as possible.”

Arjen Robben is best known for his pace and powerful strike with his left foot.

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