Franck Ribery wants to end his career at Bayern Munich — and win the Champions League one more time before he retires.
Despite missing several matches through injury last season, Ribery still netted five goals and set up a further 17 in 31 appearances across all competitions.
Ribery believes Douglas Costa’s move to Juventus, and the decision not to bring in a replacement, is a vote of confidence for him and Arjen Robben as wingers.
“[Bayern] just know: Ribery and Robben are still top, are still fit,” Ribery told Bild. “If the coach has the feeling that we are still important, why would you need other players? But the decision’s not solely down to me. It’s also the bosses’ call.
“I always want to play. I am always hungry, I always want to win. But I know by now that I sometimes need a break. I can understand being benched after three or four games.”
“He’s a big coach. We have a good relationship,” Ribery said. “We are straightforward. If we have to talk, we talk. Calm, normal. If he wants to tell me that he wants to bench me the next day, he approaches me.
“I don’t need a coach telling me that I am the best all of the time. I know when I’ve not played that well. But I need that good relationship.”
“I want to win the Champions League once again. That is my dream. That is my adrenaline, my motivation,” Ribery said, adding that he has not thought about whether winning Europe’s biggest competition would also put an end to his career with one year left on his deal at Bayern.
“I can’t say if that’s my last season. I am fit and healthy. I can play two, three more years. I love football. I don’t want to sit at home, I want to play.
“I would love to retire at Bayern. I would love to stay here until the end of my career, but a move abroad is also in the back of my head.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate