Robben reveals Real reason
24 Aug 2007 - 09:43:56
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- Robben reveals Real reason
Arjen Robben claims a 'lack of confidence' from Chelsea forced him to leave Stamford Bridge and join Real Madrid.
The Holland international sealed a £24million move to the Bernabeu on Thursday to bring to an end one of the longest running transfer sagas of the summer.
And after putting pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Spanish champions, the 23-year-old claimed Chelsea could have done more to keep him.
"For me it was a big relief when the final word came that I could join Real Madrid," he said.
"After a while I felt I wasn't getting the confidence I needed from them (Chelsea).
"That is when I started to change my mind about staying at Chelsea.
"If a club like Real show an interest, that makes things easy.
"You compare the feeling of confidence coming from Chelsea and from Real, and you go where you think you will be most happy."
Robben had been heavily tipped to join Real after president Ramon Calderon publicly declared the former PSV Eindhoven wideman as his number one transfer target.
"I think it's a great honour if you're one of the promises of a president," he added.
"Now I am here I think everybody is happy - the club is happy, I'm very happy."
"It has been difficult and it took a very long time. There were many moments when I thought I was going to Madrid the next day and then it didn't happen.
"But in the end I got here, and although it took very long, I wanted to be here so I'm very happy."