Ribery set to decide future
PARIS - France international Franck Ribery has yet to make a decision over where he plans to play next season but expects to announce whether he will remain at Bayern Munich or join another club before the end of March.
In an interview with Friday's France Football magazine, the skillful midfielder denied a rumour that he had already reached an agreement to join Spanish giants Real Madrid.
"I haven't signed anything with anybody yet. Last season, I had many possibilities with Manchester (United), Real, Barcelona or Chelsea. I hope I'll have the same ones plus Bayern next summer. Things can go one way or another," Ribery said.
"I think I'll know before the end of March... I want my mind to be free to play the World Cup," he added.
"I want to play with the most competitive team as possible, the one that will give me a chance to win as many trophies as possible, whether it is Bayern or another. I'll be 27 in April and my career is at a turning point."
Ribery has just returned to action after three months out through injury and expect to be back at his best in about 10 days.
"I don't feel any pain anymore. I'm a normal player again," he told the French paper.
The France playmaker said he had a better relationship with Bayern coach Louis van Gaal now than at the start of the season.
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"It is true to say that our relationship was tense at the beginning. Now I can't say we've become friends but we spoke to each other and we understand each other better. He's done his job and I've done mine," Ribery said.