Franck Ribery gives Bayern Munich departure hint

MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 27: Franck Ribery of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates scoring the 5th goal during the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Bayern Muenchen and SL Benfica at Allianz Arena on November 27, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 27: Franck Ribery of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates scoring the 5th goal during the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Bayern Muenchen and SL Benfica at Allianz Arena on November 27, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images) /
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Franck Ribery has previously remained tight-lipped about his future, but he now hints this may be his final season at Bayern Munich.

It has been an up and down season for Bayern Munich, full of much drama. This was all perhaps best highlighted in their 3-3 draw with Ajax on Wednesday. The Bavarians have kept themselves in the headlines — but for all the wrong reasons.

One big piece of news came a few weeks back when Arjen Robben announced that this would be his final season in Bavaria. The 34-year-old winger will part ways with Bayern after spending a decade at the club.

His partner in crime, Franck Ribery, has not made any such revelations about his future in Munich. Despite being a year older and less capable on the pitch than Robben, Ribery has previously hinted at his belief that he still has much to offer Bayern Munich going forward.

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In a recent interview with Sport1, however, Ribery gave a cryptic message that points to him following Robben out the exit door at the end of the season.

"“I’ve always respected this jersey 100 percent. I can and will never forget what the club and the fans have done for me. It’s hard, but that’s life in football. We have to wait.”"

Based on his statement, it seems quite clear Ribery knows his time at Bayern is coming to an end. Perhaps he recognizes Arjen Robben’s decision to leave as the perfect opportunity to follow suit.

The Bavarians are in a transitional period anyway, focusing on cultivating youth in their aging squad. The board has promised that there will be significant changes to the squad over the next year, and they are prepared to invest heavily in young stars to take over from the old guard. Even if Ribery wants to stay, he might not get a contract extension. And if he does, there’s no guarantee he’ll receive the playing time he wants.

One thing is almost certain, though: he won’t retire. Like Arjen Robben, Ribery suggested that he wants to keep playing even if he leaves Munich.

"“I turn 36-years-old in three months and I feel good. I play well, feel 100 percent and have fun on the pitch. Thank goodness, I have hardly had any injuries this season, and I have played almost every game. That’s nice.”"

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As with Robben, it will be weird to see Ribery don the kit of another club, but his time at Bayern had to come to an end sometime. In many ways, his departure is long overdue. He’d no doubt be making the right decision to make this season his last in Bavaria.