Bayern Munich: Franck Ribery remains “hungry” to play at the top level
Franck Ribery remains determined to play top level football after leaving Bayern Munich this summer.
Bayern Munich had to bide farewell to some of their star players this summer. Franck Ribery is one player who was released by the club as they begin building a young team in the hopes of achieving their targets for both the present and future.
The Frenchman will go down as one of the most prolific players in Bayern’s history. Ribery played a vital role in all the success Die Roten achieved in the past decade. However, this was the right time for both parties to part ways and start a new adventure.
Ribery is yet to make a decision on his future. He was linked with a move to Sheffield United this week. However, the Frenchman still believes he can play football at the top level. Speaking to L’Equipe (via footmercato), Ribery asserted that he still has two years of good football left in him and that he also has the hunger to achieve more success.
"“I want to play two more seasons. Money, I’ll get it everywhere. But there is also the challenge. I am faced with an important decision.“I’m still hungry. I can still play in a big club. I have this experience that often makes the difference. At 36, if I still score goals like that, it’s not a coincidence.”"
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Ribery’s comments surely rule out a move to the newly-promoted Premier League club. There are no doubts about Ribery’s talent, but his fitness will be a major concern for clubs that are interested in him. The French winger still remains a lethal player on his day, but he needs to be managed well in order to get the best out of him.
It was initially reported that Ribery was interested in a move to Qatar, but his comments about money indicate that he wants to stay in Europe. A move back to Marseille could be a very good option for the Frenchman. However, their lack of European football next season might put off Ribery in making a move back to his former club.
Ribery has also been linked with a move to Galatasaray. The Turkish league might not be most attractive offer, but the former Bayern winger will be able to play in the Champions League should he move to Istanbul. It is unlikely that Ribery gets an offer from a top Premier League or La Liga club this summer, so the likes of Marseille and Galatasaray are clubs that could satisfy his ambition.
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Meanwhile, Bayern will have to find the right type of players that can make an impact on the pitch and also become leaders in the dressing room. The departures of Arjen Robben, Rafinha and Ribery are a major loss both on and off the pitch. However, these departures allows the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Thiago Alcantara and David Alaba to now step up and become key figures and leaders in the squad.