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.
Robben
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.
Rangers Pip Enyimba In Oriental Derby
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.
FC Tokyo finished sixth in the J-League last
year.
