Arjen Robben on John Terry: You won’t play with anyone quite like him again

Updated 16/08/2017 at 11:28 GMT

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has praised former team-mate John Terry in a piece written for The Players’ Tribune.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho (L) talks with team captain John Terry as Terry and teammate Arjen Robben stretch during open practice at the University of California in Los Angeles 10 July 2007. Chelsea is hold a two-week training camp in Los Angeles before

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The article, which is written as a letter to his younger self, addresses Robben’s time at Chelsea as an important point in his career.

Robben praised Terry for his leadership both on and off the field and just how much he learnt from the centre-back.

“Everyone on that team was thinking about each other. Everyone was thinking about the club. The atmosphere during that time … it was amazing.

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Chelsea's John Terry (C) celebrates with teammates Didier Drogba (L) and Arjen Robben after scoring against Manchester City during their first Premiership game of the season at Stamford Bridge, in London, 20 August 2006

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“A lot of the guys who have been at the club for a while will look out for you, but there will be no one more important — not only for you, but for everyone — than John Terry.

“What can a Dutch winger learn from an English centre-back?

“Everything.

“The most important thing though, is what it takes to be a captain and a leader at a club. He’ll be someone you can talk to, whether about football or anything else. He’ll be someone who gives advice, who encourages you. Learn as much from him as you can. How he gives everything for the club. How he gives everything for the team — from the first to the last minute. Out there, he’s taking care of every team member. And he does the same off the pitch as well.

John Terry (2nd from L) of Chelsea hugs Arjen Robben (L) after he missed a penalty during the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on May 1, 2007 in Liverpool, England.

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“I’m not sure you’ll know it then, just how much John influenced you. So really take in those moments with him. You won’t play with anyone quite like him again.

“Or have an experience quite like you had at Chelsea. There were titles and cups in Holland, but at Chelsea, you’ll all be part of history. The first league title in 50 years. It’s not going to feel complete at the time because you’ll be injured. But enjoy that moment more than I did then. Appreciate it properly — because you were a part of that team, you were important and you did do your job. And then help the team win another title the year after.”

Robben may have only had two seasons with Chelsea but as he says he was part of the club’s history, helping them win their first league title in 50 years.

Together with Damien Duff he formed a deadly partnership on the wings and they helped Chelsea become the powerhouse that they are today.

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