Arjen Robben is happy to delay his debut for FC Groningen until he is fully fit and ready to compete again.
Arjen Robben won’t be in action for Groningen on Friday when they take on PEC Zwolle.
The ex-Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Chelsea star came out of retirement to sign a one-year contract with his boyhood club.
After a week of intense training, Robben requested to be left out of Friday’s game as he was yet to hit full fitness.
The 35-year-old explains that after such a long time out, he would need some more time to adjust to the rigors of the game.
“I want to get even fitter before I start competitions. I had a very good training week, where I was able to do things to 100 percent,” Robben told Groningen’s official website.
“I’m really in a good position, but playing a match is completely different to training. After not having played football for a year, it is logical that you will experience some complaints.”
“That is part of the effort you make. The body responds to training, your body has to get used to it again. That is going well, but I thought it was still insufficient to play. I also want to feel 100 per cent that I am ready for competitions. For that, I want to complete more group training first.”
Robben is eager to get back to his physical best before the Eredivisie campaign kicks off on September 13.
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