This statement gives an indication to any reader of how brilliant the Dutchman was during his peak years in football. van Bommel's early football years were spent at RKVV Maasbracht, following which he joined Dutch side Fortuna Sittard in 1992. He went on to spend the next 7 years of his career at this club.

It was in 1999 that the Dutchman made the first major move of his career, as he joined PSV.  His time with PSV saw him form a brilliant midfield partnership with Swiss international Johann Vogel.  Van Bommel eventually became a key part of the PSV side, winning four Eredivisie titles and two Johan Cruyff Shields with the club. His individual heroics also saw him named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2001 and 2005.

His final season was quite memorable, as the Dutchman won one final Eredivisie title with PSV. However, it was in Europe where they exceeded all expectations. Van Bommel and his PSV teammates managed to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. They were eventually beaten by Italian giants AC Milan. Nonetheless, it was an unforgettable season for the Dutch club.

The Dutchman's memorable time in Holland came to an end in 2005,as one of Europe's elite was waiting for him.

The Blaugrana awaits

Despite having the opportunity to join his father-in-law manager Bert van Marwijk at Borussia Dortmund, Van Bommel ultimately decided to join Frank Rijkaard's Barcelona side on a free transfer. Barcelona were coming from a title-winning season, and the Dutchman was clearly signed to take them to the next-level.

Van Bommel was part of Barcelona's midfield rotation policy at the time, which included the likes of Xavi, Edmílson, Andrés Iniesta, Deco and Thiago Motta. Despite the heavy competition, he managed to make a total of 36 appearances in all competitions that season.

This was also his first and only season with Barca, which ended with a historic La Liga and 2005–06 Champions League victory. He later managed to add a 2006 Supercopa de España title to his trophy cabinet as well.

It was a short yet memorable time at Barca for the Dutchman, as yet another European elite came calling for him this time around.

Bayern come calling

On 26th August 2006, Bayern Munich team manager Uli Hoeneß announced Van Bommel's transfer to the Bundesliga club, with the Bavarians paying a 6 million euro fee to his club Barcelona.

Van Bommel quickly proved himself to be a key player for Bayern, with his magnificent performances earning him the Bayern Player of the Year award for the 2006–07 season. The succeeding 2007–08 campaign saw the former PSV star win 2 major titles as Bayern claimed a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal Double.

The year of 2008 saw Van Bommel be appointed as Bayer's captain, following Oliver Kahn's retirement that year. This feat made him the club's first ever non-German captain.

Under Louis van Gaal, Van Bommel and his teammates achieved yet another Double in the 2009–10 season. They also managed to reach the 2010 UEFA Champions League Final, but suffered defeat under the hands of Inter Milan. Thus, they were denied the opportunity to achieve a historic treble.

After spending 5 years with the Bavarians and making 123 appearances, Van Bommel called it a time on his Bayern chapter in 2011.

Remaining years and retirement

The next chapter of Van Bommel's career took him to Milan. After initial difficulties in settling with the club, the Dutch maestro established himself as a key figure of the side under Massimiliano Allegri. Milan ended that season by winning the Serie A title, thus adding yet another major title to Van Bommel's illustrious collection. He left the club within a year though, despite being offered a contract extension.

Van Bommel's final dance in football saw him make a return to PSV, where he spent one final season before closing his magical footballing chapter. That was the end of the Dutch midfielder maestro's magical footballing career.

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