“I’ve always emphasised that I feel very, very settled in Munich and at Bayern,” Robben said. “This is the reason I’m glad to extend my contract ahead of its expiry. Bayern is like a family to me. Two of my three children were born in Munich and my family and I feel at home here.
“This contract extension is also the right decision for me from a sporting perspective. We have a magnificent team, and I’m certain we’ll enjoy the maximum possible footballing success in the years to come.”
There was a lot of speculation surrounding Robben in recent weeks. Despite leading Bayern Munich to the UEFA Champions League final (on May 19 against Chelsea), the 28-year-old suddenly called off contract talks earlier this week.
He was reportedly upset with the way the club handled a dispute he had with teammate Franck Ribery. Ribery reportedly punched Robben after an argument over who would take a free kick. The club fined Ribery 50,000 euros ($66,000), but it was thought that Robben would still leave before his original contract expired in 2013.
The news sent the transfer rumor mill into overdrive, as Robben was linked with Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. There was little doubt about his ability to thrive in the Premier League. From 2004-07, he won two league titles and one FA Cup when he played for Chelsea FC.
But he will likely stay with German giants Bayern for the forseeable future.
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Photo via Flickr/Lorenzo Blangiardi
