Arjen Robben. - Photo by AFP

MUNICH: Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben has quickly dispelled any notion he is considering retiring due to constant injuries despite admitting he has thought about quitting in an interview with Dutch television.

“Yes, in the disappointment and the frustration that it is taking so long to make a come back, I have had such thoughts” he told German daily Bild on Tuesday.

“It's really frustrating when you do everything for your job and your body can not keep up.

“But I also said I have far too much fun playing football and scoring goals to retire of my own free will.

“Don't worry, I will soon be back again. Retirement? Absolutely not!”

The 28-year-old's words put in context those he used in an interview with Dutch television NOS as he recovers from a hamstring injury he suffered at the end of September having been injured at least once every year since 2004.

“I have wanted to give away my football boots and finish (my career),”Robben has said having admitted ideas of retirement “haunt my thoughts and not just now”.

After Bayern's 1-0 win at Lille on Tuesday in the Champions League, coach Jupp Heynckes has even said Robben may be fit for Sunday's Bundesliga match at Bayer Leverkusen with the Bavarians looking for their ninth straight league win.

“He trained on Tuesday without problems, I am optimistic he can play at the end of the week,” said the Bayern coach.

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...