Arjen Robben was presented to the media on Sunday after confirming his signing for Groningen.

On Saturday, Groningen announced the return of Robben, who retired last summer.

The 36-year-old held a press conference on Sunday and said, “I want to emphasize: it is not yet a comeback, but an attempt to.

“I am positive about it and my fitness trainer is too. The goal and mission is clear: you want to be on the field and play matches.

“But it is good to appoint, to avoid disappointment with supporters and sponsors: it can range from zero matches to a whole lot. I will not say 34, I have never achieved that in my career, haha.”

Robben revealed that a visit from Groningen director Mark-Jan Fledderus convinced him to return to the field, “I had no burning ambition to enter the trainer’s profession or take up a management position. So I was training hard and the year of not playing football did me good physically. Then we discussed in which role I could have the most value for the club. That’s on the field, so I made the decision.

“Why am I doing this? I spoke to my wife this morning about how I could explain in one word in my decision about my return. That can be described in one word: love. We are coming home. I don’t think I would do this at another club. This was the only option for me. We will of course also live here again. I hope I enjoy it, but I think I will. “

On his fitness, Robben added, “I’ve been training for about five or six weeks. I am well on my way, I still have to take a few steps, but I have a good feeling about it. It could be something very beautiful.”




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