Robben extends Bayern deal to 2015
Reuters - Thursday 03 May 2012, 15:57
Arjen Robben has extended his
contract with Bayern Munich for another two years until 2015,
ending months of media speculation about the Dutch winger's
future.
"I have always said I feel very good here. From a sporting
perspective it is also the right decision," Robben said in a
statement on Thursday.
"We have an outstanding team and we can have a lot of
success in the coming years."
Only hours earlier Dutch international Robben refused to say
whether he would extend his contract when asked by a small group
of reporters at Bayern's training centre.
Robben, who joined from Real Madrid in 2009 and also played
for Chelsea between 2004-7, won the German league and cup double
in 2010 and helped Bayern reach the Champions League final in
the same year when they lost to Inter Milan.
Injuries and a loss of form in the early part of this season
cast doubt on his future at the club especially when he was
criticised by former Bayern great Franz Beckenbauer, now the
club's honorary president.
Robben underwent a groin operation in October but has since
returned to his best form, helping Bayern reach the Champions
League final against Chelsea on May 19 and the German Cup final
against Borussia Dortmund seven days earlier.
A furious dressing room clash with fellow winger Franck
Ribery late last month fanned speculation that their successful
partnership in the Bayern front line, nicknamed "Robbery", could
come to an end with the Dutchman reportedly unhappy with the way
the club handled the incident.
"We are very happy to have extended Arjen's contract early
for another two years," said club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
"Arjen is an extremely important player for Bayern and a
guarantee for the club's successful future."