Robben claims Barca interest

New Bayern signing focused on future

Last updated: 3rd September 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Robben claims Barca interest

Robben: Barca claim

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Arjen Robben has claimed Barcelona were interested in securing his services before he left Real Madrid for Bayern Munich.

The Holland international has made an immediate impact after his £22million move to the Bundesliga, scoring twice on his debut against champions Wolfsburg.

Former Chelsea winger Robben admits a move to Camp Nou from Santiago Bernabeu would have been unlikely given the rivalry between the duo and is now keen to focus on the future with his new employers.

He told Dutch TV channel Eredivisie Live: "Barcelona were interested in signing me, too.

"However, I don't think that a transfer really was a possibility. Real Madrid would never have let go of me if Barcelona made a move.

"That's all history now though. I'm very happy that I'm a Bayern Munich player now. I'm looking forward to a successful season in Germany."

Ribery

Robben feels that Bayern can build a squad capable of challenging for UEFA Champions League glory and admits he requested assurances that star man Franck Ribery would not be leaving the Allianz Arena.

The France international was strongly linked with a switch to Real throughout the summer but remained on the books of the Bundesliga outfit.

Robben told BILD: "I am here to win trophies. I want to become a champion (in the league) and go as far as possible with Bayern in the Champions League.

"I think there will be transfers in those next two to three years that are going to put Bayern into the position to have a strong squad able to play a big role.

"Bayern promised me he (Ribery) would definitely be staying on. This was what I was wanting to know. Franck is a very important player for this club, we need him."

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