Ribéry sets World Cup deadline for major move
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribéry wants his future to be sorted out before the start of the World Cup in June. The France international has long been linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena although he is tied to the Bundesliga club until 2011.
Bayern's president, Uli Höness, has already admitted that Ribéry may have to be sold next summer if he does not sign a new contract since he would be available for free 12 months later and they "cannot afford to throw 50 to 60 million euros away".
Real Madrid have already signalled their interest in the winger, while Chelsea are also said to be keen. And Ribéry wants to know where he will be playing next season before he steps on the plane to South Africa. "There's a lot of talk about Real Madrid and Chelsea," he said. "It's true, they are two big clubs. But I don't think it will be a long soap opera. It will be quick. We will know before the end of the season. I would want to know before the World Cup."
Ribéry missed much of the first half of the season due to a succession of injuries and his luck has not turned in 2010 as he needed to remove an accumulation of blood from both of his big toes after his first workout of the year at the club's training camp in Dubai.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined for around three months and admits he is feeling frustrated.
"My two toes are really infected," Ribery added. "I have a really bad infection, which is not letting me train normally. It annoys me and makes me feel really bad."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments