Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben insists he still has plenty to offer his team, despite admitting he is in the twilight stage of his career.
The Dutchman turns 33 on Monday and recently rejected the chance to earn big money in China by signing a new one-year deal at the Allianz Arena. Robben hasn't always had the best fitness record during his illustrious career, which has seen him win countless trophies at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern.
QUOTE: Arjen Robben: "A move to China is acknowledging your career is over. I want to keep playing at the highest level." � pic.twitter.com/OqKdZPNgO1
But despite concerns over both his age and injury record, the winger insists he is ready to prove that age is just a number and admits heis keen to enjoy what's left of his playing days.
Speaking to the Bayern clubwebsite, Robben said:You're as old as you feel and I feel good.
.@ArjenRobben "Age doesn't concern me. You're only as old as you feel and right now I feel great!" #packmas pic.twitter.com/o0UiE6FLsB
I don't put any particular pressure on myself because of my age. Of course I know that I'm heading towards the twilight of my career, but I still have a few years left and I will enjoy them.�
Robben and his teammates recently returned from a mid-season training camp out in the Middle East. Having had nearly a month off from competitive action, the reigning Bundesliga champions get the second half of their season underway this Friday against Freiburg and will be looking to extend their three-point gap at the top of the table.
And despite missing a friendly match for his side last Saturday due to illness, Robben says he will be ready and fit to play in the game at theSchwarzwald-Stadion in to days time.
He added:It's a shame “ you feel good and fit, and then you come down with something.I've trained normally this week and that's why I don't see a problem for Friday.�