Robben says goodbye to the Dutch national team

Disappointed that his team failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, midfielder Arjen Robben announced his retirement from the Dutch national team right after the 2-0 win over Sweden in the final match of Group A on the morning of October 11 (Vietnam time).

Robben celebrates his goal against Sweden. Photo: Reuters

Arjen Robben, 33, has played 96 matches for the Netherlands, scoring 37 goals since 2003. Over the past 14 years, Robben has participated in 3 World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) and 3 Euro finals (2004, 2008, 2012) with the Netherlands. Robben's greatest achievement in the "Orange storm" team's jersey was winning 3rd place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

In the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Robben played very hard with the desire to participate in the last World Cup of his career. Unfortunately, his efforts still could not help the Netherlands to be present at the 2018 World Cup when this team only ranked 3rd in Group A after France and Sweden and was eliminated.

Robben says goodbye to fans. Photo: Reuters

Speaking to the media after the match with Sweden, Robben said: "This is a difficult decision but I have thought about it very carefully and talked to my family. I am 33 years old and this is the right time to stop and make way for the younger players. I will focus and devote all my strength in the remaining years to Bayern Munich."

Robben and a young fan walked around the stadium to greet fans after the match against Sweden. Photo: Reuters

According to TTO