Arjen Robben has described his decision to leave Real Madrid for Bayern Munich in 2009 as “the best decision in my career.”
The Dutch winger netted 13 times across 65 appearances in two seasons in the Spanish capital but joined the Bavarian club in a €25m deal after an influx of players into Los Blancos.
“It was not just Ronaldo…Florentino Perez returned as president of the club and then bought Ronaldo and Kaka, Benzema and Xabi Alonso,” explained Robben, as quoted by Diario AS.
“They spent so much money they told us they needed to make some money with the sales. For me it was a shame because I had a very good relationship with former Coach Manuel Pellegrini, and maybe I had the best preseason of my career.
“I found it difficult because of the change of president in Madrid, I really felt very comfortable there and played very well, but when politics comes into play and you do not have a real chance, you must decide if you want to keep fighting or continue your career elsewhere.
“The decision was not easy, we sat down as a family and talked, after all, it was leaving a great club like Real Madrid.
“There was no turning back. In comparison, Bayern was not as successful in Europe at that time. My goal had always been to win the Champions League.
“I wanted to prove I was good enough and my move to Bayern was the best decision of my career.”
