Former Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben completed the Rotterdam Marathon that was held in his home country in under three hours last Sunday.
Robben, who hung up his boots in 2021, crossed the finish line in 2:58:33 as he came home to achieve his sub-three-hour target.
The 39-year-old who also represented Real Madrid and Chelsea, ran the exact race in 2022 and he secured a time of 3:13:40.
However, it was his 2023 showing that left him happy at the end. Arjen Robben speaking after crossing the line stated: “I’m really broken, but I made it.
“For a sprinter like me, such a distance is very long. But I like sports and challenges.”
He also said: “Not fun, it really wasn’t fun. I made it, but that’s about it. I often went deep and had to fight often enough, but this was also a real fight.
“That audience on the side helps you so much. Thanks to everyone for that, that got me through. In the beginning I was a bit preoccupied with a time, but at a certain point you throw that overboard.
“Then it’s surviving and entering my first marathon. Then you notice what something like that does to your body, but I made it.”
Robben then further added: “I’m no longer a top athlete, but I can say I think it’s top sport when you can run a marathon in under three hours.
“That comes very close to winning a major football title. Great, I can tick that off.”
Arjen Robben hung up his boots in 2021
Robben retired two years ago after one campaign with Groningen, having enjoyed an illustrious footballing career with some of Europe’s elite teams.
He won the Dutch Eradivisie trophy with PSV in 2003, before penning a deal with Chelsea and lifting two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups under Portuguese, Jose Mourinho.
Arjen Robben then joined Real Madrid in 2007 where he spent two seasons, winning one La Liga title.
But the majority of his footballing career was in Germany where he represented German heavyweights Bayern Munich for a decade.
The 39-year-old won eight Bundesliga crowns, five DFB Pokals and the UEFA Champions League. He also made 96 appearances for Netherland netting 37 goals.
Robben played an important role in Netherland reaching the 2010 FIFA World Cup final in South Africa, before they were defeated 1-0 by Spain.
Arjen Robben was known for his dribbling skills, pace, ball control and long range strikes.
Robben is considered as one of the best players of his generation and was often praised as part of the best wingers in the world during his hey-days.
He netted 209 goals in 614 matches throughout his club career and Internationally, the Dutchman scored 37 goals in 96 appearances for the Oranje of Netherland.
