The idea of returning to the football pitch “tickled” ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich ace Arjen Robben.

• Robben thought of reversing his retirement decision.

• It was believed Robben would return to the Eredivisie but the ex-Chelsea star surprised fans by deciding to retire.

Robben announced his retirement in July 2019 after he was released by Bayern. [Getty]

Former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid attacker Robben says he was consumed by the idea of returning back to playing football.

Netherlands winger Arjen Robben retired from playing football at the end of the 2018-19 season following his successful 10-year spell at the Allianz Arena, where he won eight Bundesliga titles, five DFB-Pokal trophies and a Champions League once.

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It was believed Robben would return to the Eredivisie league after playing for the Bundesliga side, but the former Chelsea star surprised fans by putting an end to his career as a professional football player

"In the beginning, I didn't miss football at all, but then there was a period when it tickled again and I had thoughts such as, 'Hey, maybe I would like to play a little again'," the 36-year-old told the FC Bayern podcast.

Robben, who played 96 times for the Netherlands,’ added: "From time to time I still have this feeling. With this coronavirus [situation], it is a very strange time for everyone and if it does come again [the thought of returning to football], then it's now.

"But maybe it always stays a bit in there. I'm just an athlete."

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