Bayern Munich's Ivica Olic: Arjen Robben is on par with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo when fit

The Croat feels that his teammate can operate at the same level as the Barcelona and Real Madrid stars

By Livio Caferoglu

Arjen Robben (Bayern München)
PROSHOTS
Bayern Munich forward Ivica Olic has claimed that Arjen Robben should be mentioned in the same breath as Barcelona ace Lionel Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 32-year-old was glowing in his praise of the Dutchman, stating that his side benefit from having the winger in the side, especially when he is fit and firing on all cylinders.

"When Arjen is healthy, he could play for any team in the world," Olic told Bild. "[When he is fit], he is on the same level as [Lionel] Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo and I wish to see him regain his fitness."

The former Hamburg star then reflected on his current situation. He will be out of contract in the summer with no talks currently forthcoming, but he has vowed to earn new terms on the pitch, after recently recovering from a 10-month injury lay-off.

"I will now simply show Bayern what I'm made of, and then think about my future," he continued.

He added, "Firstly, I want to let my performances do the talking on the pitch, and then if I can build on my form, the rest falls into place. My desire is to play well, score goals and stay at this club," concluded the striker.

Olic was not selected by national-team coach Slaven Bilic for Croatia's last two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Greece and Israel.


 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai

    Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.

  2. ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams

    Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.

  3. ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite

    Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.

  4. LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth

    With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.

  5. McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date

    The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.