Arjen Robben admits joining Bayern Munich was a “step back” for him

Arjen Robben has admitted he considered his transfer from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich in 2009 a step down at the time, saying he had doubts about leaving the La Liga side.

Robben departed Madrid in the summer of 2009 after the Spanish outfit when on a spending spree, bringing in the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso following the return of Florentio Perez as president.

The Dutch winger's transfer was a way for Real to balance the books but now Robben has revealed that at the time he wasn't sure if moving to Munich was the right decision, citing concerns about the club's stature.

However the 32-year-old added that the Bundesliga side's persistence was a key factor in eventually opting to move to the side and is delighted he made the decision.

Robben has gone on to claim five Bundesliga titles as well as four DFB-Pokals and the Champions League with Bayern, winning 15 trophies during his spell with the Bavarians.

Robben told Fox Sport, via Goal: "It was a bit of a weird summer with the return of Florentino Perez as president. And then all the new signings arrived. Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso all came to Madrid for a huge amount of money.

"We were told that the club would be able to make some money on me if they sold me. But I initially did not want to leave. I had possibly my best pre-season ever, but I still did not get a chance, so I had to make a decision.

"There was contact with Bayern, but it was a difficult decision, the most difficult one of my career. Bayern were not among the European elite at that moment - like we are now - and it was a step back for me.

"I went for it in the end, because the club did everything within their power to sign me. And the presence of Louis van Gaal obviously played a role as well.

"I am a real Bayern man now, I am into my eighth season here and I have become a part of this club."