Mandatory Credit: Matthias Hangst/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports
Bayern Munich midfielder Arjen Robben has been linked with a move to Manchester United but made it clear that he would not be leaving Bayern for England any time soon. Transfer rumors come and go for any player, especially players that have moved clubs multiple times in their careers. The newspapers and media know that transfer speculation draws readers, even if the rumor is not even remotely believable.
For Arjen Robben that may not be the case. He has a relationship with new Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal and Bayern have supposedly signed his successor in Xerdan Shaqiri. The rumors began floating around and unlike most players that remain noncommittal or say things like “such and such club is great and I’m flattered but no” or “I love that city but no”, Robben came out and shut down rumors the way he should. Robben said he is not leaving Bayern Munich and that is that.
Arjen Robben on the transfer speculation:
"“Manchester United? That’s not an option. I am staying at Bayern Munich. Period. And I cannot imagine that Bayern would want to sell me. I have only just renewed my contract and we are happy with each other. It would have been a different story had I been unhappy.“I would have been open to a move then, because I had a great time under Van Gaal at Bayern. He has been very important for my career. However, fact is that I am very happy at my current club. I think United did great to appoint Van Gaal."
Players that are constantly linked with other clubs (ahem, Eden Hazard and Oscar) need to make statements like that. Do not say you are not paying attention to the rumors, or joke that your wife is going to decide your future. Just come out and say no, I am staying at my club and I am not going anywhere because I do not want to. Even if the club ends up selling you, at least you can give the fans the reassurance that you are happy where you are.
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