Cristiano Ronaldo: Juventus star was NOT only reason for Real Madrid exit – Arjen Robben

Cristiano Ronaldo and Robben were team-mates at Real Madrid for just a few short weeks, with the latter then jumping ship to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Robben, who is leaving the Allianz Arena on a free transfer this summer, struggled during his time at Real.

He moved to Bayern Munich, though, and established himself as a club legend, winning eight league titles as well as the Champions League during his time in Germany.

And the Holland international has now insisted that Ronaldo was not the sole reason for his Bernabeu exit.

“It became difficult for me because of the change of president at Real,” Robben told Goal and SPOX.

“I actually felt very comfortable there and played very well, but when politics come into play and you do not get a real chance, you have to make a decision whether you want to keep fighting or to go and continue your career elsewhere.

“It was not just Ronaldo. Perez returned as the club’s president. He then bought Ronaldo, but also Kaka, [Karim] Benzema and Xabi Alonso.

“Real spent so much money and we were told that they needed to make a bit of money back on outgoing transfers.

“For me it was a shame, because I had a very good relationship with the former coach Manuel Pellegrini. In addition, I had perhaps the best pre-season of my career.”

Robben also revealed that Louis van Gaal and Mark van Bommel played a key role in him choosing Bayern at the time.

“I talked to Mark and to Van Gaal,” the Holland international added.

“He told me how had he plans for me. Both clearly signalled to me: ‘Come to Munich, please’.

“I remember the decision was not easy. We sat together as a family on the terrace and talked.

“After all, it was about leaving a big club like Real Madrid. There was no turning back then.

“By comparison, Bayern was not so successful in Europe at the time.

“My goal had always been to win the Champions League. I wanted to show that I was good enough.

“The move to Bayern was the best decision of my career.”

source: express.co.uk