Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben controls the ball
during his friendly football match against
Belgium’s KAS Eupen at the Aspire Academy in
Doha on January 10, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / KARIM
JAAFAR
Superstar Dutch winger Arjen Robben is lining up
a move to J-League outfit FC Tokyo after he leaves
Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, local media
reported on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old has already confirmed he is
leaving Bayern at the end of the season after a
glittering career that saw him win seven
Bundesliga titles and nearly 100 caps for the
Netherlands.
If confirmed, it would be the latest high-profile
transfer to the Japanese league, after Spanish
World Cup winner Andres Iniesta and German
striker Lukas Podolski joined Vissel Kobe.
Iniesta’s World Cup-winning teammate Fernando
Torres is also playing at J-League rival Sagan
Tosu.
The Sports Nippon daily said there was a “rapidly
emerging†chance of Robben playing in Japan next
season.
“Robben’s family, who are believed to have a big
say (in his decision), seem positive about coming
to Japan,†it said.
“Several Japanese clubs are interested but FC
Tokyo are close to clinching his signature,†the
paper quoted anonymous sources as saying.
A spokesperson for the club declined to comment
when contacted by AFP.
The 35-year-old, in his prime considered one of
the world’s best wingers, told German football
magazine Kicker last month he had no plans
beyond the end of this season.
“That’s not entirely clear, perhaps I will stop
playing — it’s about waiting and seeing what
possibilities there are,†he said.
“If offers come in, I’ll really consider them 100
percent and if it’s something nice, I’ll play on, but
if no ideal offers come, then that could be it.
“I have three children and they also must be
happy… The family plays a very important role in
every decision of mine.â€
After spells at Chelsea and Real Madrid, Robben
joined Bayern in 2009 and spent nearly a decade
with the Bavarian giants. His winning goal in the
2013 Champions League final at Wembley sealed a
2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund.
The fleet-footed, injury-prone veteran has won 19
trophies with Bayern and was named Bundesliga
player of the year after his first season in Germany.
Source:
guardian.ng/sport/robben-mulling-tokyo-
move-after-bayern-exit-reports/
