Arjen Robben: “I can’t just go for a stroll in the zoo on a nice sunny day. It’s just part of the job”
This interview with Arjen Robben took place in the summer of 2014, just before the World Cup in Brazil, during his peak years at Bayern München. At 30 years old, he was playing some of the best football of his career while reflecting on past heartbreak, physical evolution and life beyond the game. Looking back, the conversation captures a player at the height of his powers, but already thinking about what comes after playing career.
At the time of this conversation, everything revolved around Brazil 2014. Robben speaks openly about expectations, pressure and the shadow of 2010, showing a mindset shaped by both success and regret.
Does a World Cup, like this upcoming one, make you feel nervous?
Arjen Robben:“Not at all. I’m never nervous anyway. It’s more that I’m looking forward to it – it’s going to be a great adventure with these boys. Don’t forget that we’re going to Brazil – the land of football! I really can’t wait to go.”
Does that have anything to do with the fact that you have an account to settle? You called the defeat in the World Cup final four years ago an open wound…
“Yes, and so it is. I still have mixed feelings about the World Cup in South Africa. On the one hand, it was a fantastic tournament – maybe the best that I’ve ever taken part in. But the way in which it ended – and particularly the chance I missed in the closing minutes – I’ll remember for the rest of my life, no matter how many prizes I’ve won.”
Don’t you sometimes think, ‘if only I’d taken that shot differently’?
“No. I’ve taken shots that way many times. So I’m still pretty sure that I made the right decision. Of course, I could also have gone round Casillas but I didn’t do that: I shot and I shot too low. Because of that, the ball hit Casillas’s toe without him really realising what was happening and ended up missing the goal. But that’s the great thing about sport, you know. It’s unpredictable. Look, I know as well as anyone that if I’d aimed two centimetres higher, it would have gone in. But that’s with the benefit of hindsight. It’s always to criticise.”
But you’ll be there. Is it just a coincidence that you’ve had so few injuries lately?
“No. That’s because some time ago I started to work with an osteopath. Since then I’ve had everything much better under control. I haven’t had any more muscle injuries like muscle ruptures, for example. Admittedly, there were two long-term injuries, including a pubic bone infection that put me out for six months, but that’s of a totally different nature. That can happen to anyone.”
So if people say that Robben would be better off training for eighty per cent only…
“…I’d say that it’s very easy for outsiders to say things. To be honest, I think that’s a bit short-sighted. Obviously, I know my own body better than anyone else. The way I’ve been handling it recently is just good. It’s no accident that I’ve felt this fit for such a long time.”
Arjen Robben is not just an explosive winger, but someone who has learned how to manage his body and career. After opening up about injuries and discipline, we also talked about a possible return to FC Groningen, his home-town club.
Will they ever see you back at FC Groningen again?
“Although I’ve said that I would always have a connection with the club, I don’t know in what role that will be. You always have to be careful with that sort of comments. I believe that if you make a promise you should keep it. Having said that, I have no idea what will happen in the years to come. That’s why I will never proclaim that I’m going to end my career at FC Groningen. Anyway, that’s all a long time off. That’s why I prefer to focus on the near future in Munich, where I still have a contract until 2017.”
We also talk with Arjen Robben about his private life. He gives us insights into his family-life, sacrifice and the quiet desire for a different life beyond the structure of football.
You’ve been living abroad for ten years now. Would you say that has made you a different person?
“You grow up faster, which is only logical as you have to rely on yourself more. In my case, that went well straight away, although it did help that I started on this adventure with my wife, whom I’ve been with since I was sixteen. I mean, we were in our early twenties when we went to London. That enriches your life. Apart from the life experiences that you acquire, you learn other languages and customs.”
Do you go back to Groningen often?
“Not often enough, which is a pity. But my busy schedule simply doesn’t allow it. Take last season: we didn’t have a single weekend off. That’s a shame because I always enjoy being in Bedum, where I come from and where my parents and sister still live. I like it there because the people see me as a local lad and nobody bugs me. They have a chat but it’s not as though everybody wants to be in a photograph with me or asks for my autograph.”
Do you find it difficult when people ask for a photo or an autograph?
“It’s just part of the job. And it’s a good sign. It means that you’re still playing well. But, indeed, usually I can’t avoid it. And neither do I have the illusion that I can just go for a stroll in the zoo on a nice sunny day. There’s no point in that. Yet that doesn’t mean that I shut myself away in my house. We recently went to a neighbourhood pool for a nice swim with the whole family. I think it’s important to do things like that. Just like when my son had an indoor football tournament recently…I went along. I wanted to be there and see it. I don’t stay at home just because I know that everyone wants something from me. I take that in my stride because I think some things are just too important. Don’t forget that I spend a lot of time away. When I’m at home, I want to spend as much time there as possible. And I enjoy it, particularly when I see my youngest son playing football. I don’t get emotional about that – that’s too big a word – but I’m certainly proud. Don’t forget that it isn’t always easy for him either. People often ask him if he’ll be just as good as his father…”
How would you describe yourself as a father?
“An involved father, even though I have to be a bit strict sometimes. They need to be aware that not everything happens automatically. That you can’t always get what you want and can’t just do whatever you feel like doing. I think it’s important they grow up as normally as possible – with ethical and moral values. Like my wife, I had a fantastic up-bringing. I want to pass that on to our children, so that they become lovable, sociable children.”
Do you sometimes long for that moment?
“Of course I do, but not so much for a life without football. More for a life in which I can do other things. A life with my own programme and my own choices. That I can go skiing if I want, or go to a wedding. We sometimes talk about this at home – increasingly often, actually. I think you should be able to do these kind of things. So, yes, I do long for this now and then, although one thing will never disappear and that’s my love for the game.”
Ready for more?
Check out this story about fellow dutchmen Ruud van Nistelrooy opening up about his career and his private life.
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