World Cup finalist in 2006 Franck Ribery has signed a new five year contract with Bayern Munich, which ends any speculations of the winger joining Real Madrid. The France international has been continuously linked with the nine times European Champions over the past two season however by penning a new deal which commits him to the Bundesliga champions until 30 June, 2015 has ended any possibility of a move. France will look to Ribery as the tailisman of the side – much like the weight placed on the shoulders of legendary playmaker Zinedine Zidane.
Ribery has played in six World Cup 2010 qualifiers and scoring three goals in the process. However, he only found the back of the net four times in nineteen appearances in the Bundesliga. Although his goals tally is down on last term, there is no doubting his ability and influence on the pitch. Usually operating on the left in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation, Ribery’s trickery and acceleration allows the barrel chested former Marseille man the ability to stretch defenses and draw other players in. He has one World Cup goal to his name, which he scored in the victory over Spain in the 2006 World Cup finals.
Franck Ribery, who joing Bayern Munich in 2007 from Marseille for a reported £20 Million deal, released the following statement: “I am very happy to have decided to stay with FC Bayern. My family and I are very happy to be staying in Munich. This club has become a big family for me.” The news will come as a release for Bayern who recently lost 2-0 to Internazionale in the European Cup final. Bayern Munich have won four European Cups; in 1974, 1975, 1976 and 2001 and will be hoping to bounce back next year. Ribery kicks off his World Cup campaign against two times European Champions Uruguay.
