Arjen Robben

Arjen Robben (born January 23 1984 in Bedum, Netherlands) is a footballer for the Dutch national team and Chelsea, having recently transferred to the English club from Dutch power PSV Eindhoven.

Related Topics:
January 23 - 1984 - Bedum - Netherlands - Footballer - Dutch national team - Chelsea - English - PSV Eindhoven

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In his younger years he played for the local footballclub VV Bedum. Later he transferred to FC Groningen. In his first season he won the Player of the Year prize at his club. After two seasons in Groningen Robben went to PSV for €4.2 million. Again after two seasons of great football at PSV, he was sold to Chelsea. Manchester United was the first in line to buy Robben. But PSV wasn't happy with the €7 million offer. Chelsea offered €18 million and PSV sold him.

Related Topics:
FC Groningen - € - Manchester United

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In {{Ec2|2004}} in Portugal, during a match against the Czech Republic, the then Dutch team manager Dick Advocaat substituted Robben with Paul Bosvelt. The Dutch team eventually lost that match after leading by two goals. That decision brought severe criticism on Advocaat and as a result, Advocaat resigned from his post after losing in the semi-finals of Euro 2004 from Portugal.

Related Topics:
Czech Republic - Dick Advocaat - Paul Bosvelt

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In another Euro 2004 match, Robben scored the winning goal against Sweden during a penalty shootout in a quarterfinal match. He did not make his competitive debut for Chelsea until November 2004, as he was injured in a pre-season friendly match against A.S. Roma, breaking a metatarsal bone in his right foot.

Related Topics:
Sweden - Penalty shootout - A.S. Roma - Metatarsal

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However, since returning from injury, Robben (in combination with Damien Duff) has made an impressive impact with his explosive speed, dribbling skills and finishing; and in November 2004 he was awarded the prestigious player of the month award. In a game against Blackburn Rovers on February 2 2005 he broke two metatarsal bones in his left foot, ruling him out for two months.

Related Topics:
Damien Duff - Blackburn Rovers - February 2 - 2005

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On March 19, 2005 Robben returned to the Chelsea team. Robben came on for Duff midway through the second half and played an instrumental role in one of Mateja Ke?man's two goals. Chelsea went on to defeat Crystal Palace 4-1. But injury soon caught up with him again, he is force to be taken off in a World Cup 2006 Qualifying match for the Netherlands, causing him to miss a critical UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich, which Chelsea went on to win 6-5 over two legs.

Related Topics:
March 19 - 2005 - Mateja Ke?man - Crystal Palace - World Cup 2006 Qualifying - UEFA Champions League - Bayern Munich

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