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.
Sapa-AFP