Robben plans 'dream' comeback at Groningen

Dutch winger Arjen Robben is planning to end his retirement and make a "dream" return for former club Groningen in his homeland.

The 36-year-old on Saturday said he is aiming to return in time for the 2020-21 Eredivisie season.

"The club can use some help following the corona crisis," Robben said on the Groningen website."I am working on a comeback. We will see if I will succeed. It is my dream now to play in the FC Groningen shirt again."

After leaving Groningen in 2002, Robben won league titles with PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea and Real Madrid before a hugely successful decade with Bayern Munich.

He retired from Bayern a year ago at the age of 35, having helped the club to eight Bundesliga titles as well as the 2013 Champions League.

The 2010 World Cup finalist explained that a banner he saw at Groningen's stadium had resonated strongly with him.

"'Arjen follow your heart,' it said, so after a wonderful adventure of 18 years, I'm coming home."

Xinhua - Agencies