World Cup 2018: Arjen Robben retires from international football as Netherlands fail to clinch berth for Russian summer

Netherlands captain and Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben retired from international career after his country missed out on a place at 2018 World Cup. Although the Dutch side defeated Sweden 2-0, Robben scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Sweden - but they were not enough for the Dutch to reach the playoffs.

The 33-year-old star striker scored 37 times in 96 appearances for the Netherlands and helped them reach the 2010 World Cup final where they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra-time. 

The Dutch also progressed to the last four at the 2014 finals before losing to Argentina on penalties. "Fourteen years, it's beautiful, magnificent even," said Robben, who made his international debut against Portugal in April 2003. 

"I will always remember the 2010 World Cup and 2014. Those are my best memories. During those two competitions, we formed a real team."

With PTI inputs