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WORLD FOOTBALL

    Arjen Robben Says He's Leaving Bayern Munich After Season

    Gianni Verschueren@ReverschPassX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistDecember 2, 2018

    MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 27: Arjen Robben of Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Bayern Muenchen and SL Benfica at Allianz Arena on November 27, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
    TF-Images/Getty Images

    Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has announced he will leave the Bundesliga giants at the end of this season.

    As shared by Goal's Ronan Murphy, the Dutchman will be moving on after a decade, as he told Omnisport:

    Ronan Murphy @swearimnotpaul

    Arjen Robben confirms that he will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season, telling Omnisport: 'This is my last season at Bayern. I had 10 wonderful years. Now it's time.' #FCBayern

    The 34-year-old has once again been an important part of the Bavarian side's squad this season, making seven Bundesliga starts so far. The veteran was expected to see less frequent playing time, with the club saving him for the big games, but injuries to Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman have forced him and Frack Ribery into the starting XI more often.

    The Frenchman could also be moving on, according to Uli Hoeness:

    Ronan Murphy @swearimnotpaul

    Uli Hoeness also says that this could be Franck Ribery’s last season at Bayern Munich too: 'Ribery and Robben are probably in their last year at FC Bayern.' #FCBayern

    Robben moved to Germany in 2009 after spells with Chelsea and Real Madrid. He had emerged as a budding star in the Netherlands with Groningen and PSV, and while he flashed his tremendous talent in the Premier League and La Liga, he always seemed to fall short of expectations.

    But that changed once he put on a Bayern shirt. Robben blossomed in Germany, striking up a phenomenal partnership with Ribery.

    The Dutchman greatly increased his scoring output compared to his time with Chelsea and Real, scoring some stunners over the years:

    Arjen Robben Says He's Leaving Bayern Munich After Season
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    DW Sports summed up his statistics so far:

    DW Sports @dw_sports

    Arjen Robben has said this will be his last year at Bayern [Omnisport] He scored a brace on debut against Wolfsburg in 2009 🙌 9 years later... 305 games 🥅 143 goals ⚽️ 101 assists 🎯 https://t.co/ldBkyyMIZo

    His time in Germany has been productive beyond just goals. Robben has won a remarkable seven Bundesliga titles with Bayern, to go with four DFB Pokal trophies and the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League.

    Bayern face a real battle to win this year's Bundesliga title, though, as Borussia Dortmund have jumped out to a nine-point lead. BVB are still unbeaten after 13 matches.

    It's unclear where Robben will go next or whether he'll line up for another club at all. His strong form this season suggests he has what it takes to continue his career in MLS or Japan―which has become a hot destination in recent times, with the likes of Andres Iniesta, Lucas Podolski and David Villa moving to the Far East―but given his lengthy injury history, he may instead opt to hang up his boots for good.