Arjen Robben announces retirement from international football following Netherlands World Cup disappointment

Bayern Munich’s and Netherland international Arjen Robben announced his retirement form the Netherlands after his brace against Sweden were not enough for the Dutch to qualify for the World cup.

The ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid winger, helped his side to a 2-0 win against Sweden on Tuesday in what showed to be his final international duty as they missed out on a play-off place.

2-0 win against Sweden wasn’t enough as they needed to win by seven goals to have the chance to reach next year’s World Cup in Russia.

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

Robben has record of 37 goals in 96 appearances for the Netherlands and and Bayern’s forward was part of a talented generation that reached 2010 World Cup final where they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra-time. He is joint fourth on the Netherlands’ all-time goalscorer list, level with former Arsenal forward Dennis Bergkamp.

The Dutch also played to the last four at the 2014 finals before losing to Argentina on penalties.

“Fourteen years, it’s beautiful, magnificent even,” said Robben, who made his international debut against Portugal in April 2003.

“I will always remember the 2010 World Cup and 2014. Those are my best memories. During those two competitions we formed a real team.”

The 33-year-old, who has had so much injury problems over the years, was quoted by vi.nl as saying: “The man of glass has lasted the longest.”

Robben added: “I’ve been thinking about it (international retirement) for a long time.

“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.”