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Arjen Robben Convinced To Make Football Return Through Groningen’s Clever Use Of Michael Jordan

Arjen Robben Convinced To Make Football Return Through Groningen’s Clever Use Of Michael Jordan

Groningen initially failed to convince Arjen Robben to make a U-turn on his retirement, but their second pitch proved to be very effective.

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Arjen Robben's sensational comeback was heavily inspired by Michael Jordan after he was shown a montage of the basketball legend's illustrious career.

The 36-year-old Bayern Munich legend initially announced his retirement from football after winning the Bundesliga title last season.

But boyhood club Groningen wasted no time in trying to stop Robben from retiring as club officials met with him days after he walked away from the sport in May 2019.

The Dutch club were unable to convince the winger to change his mind at the time, but talks over his comeback were revived last month.

According to BBC Sport, Groningen made a breakthrough with Robben through a clever pitch that utilised The Last Dance documentary about 'MJ.'

Robben's club compiled clips from the critically acclaimed documentary and 'interspersed them with images' from the ex-Chelsea winger's career.

PA

PA

The former Netherlands international, who previously hinted at a U-turn on his retirement, came through the Groningen youth academy and made his senior debut at the age of 16.

Speaking in a clip shared by his new club, Robben said: "Dear football friends and FC Groningen fans.

"I was 12 years old when I started playing in FC Groningen's youth academy. I made my home debut against Feyenoord when I was 16.

"After two years I made a transfer to PSV Eindhoven. After a wonderful adventure of 18 years, we're coming home.

"We're coming home in this difficult time of crisis, one that also hits FC Groningen.

"It's great to see how everyone supporting the club, I've supported the club as well. It made me think about what else I could do for our club.

"These past few weeks I've had many conversations with club staff and maybe more than anything I've listen to the call of our supporters.

"A comeback as an FC Groningen player, I started to play with this idea and now I've made it my mission!

"I want to make my comeback as a football player, a player of FC Groningen."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Basketball, Football, Basketball News, Arjen Robben, Michael Jordan

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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