An FC Bayern legend is bowing out from the big footballing stage as Franck Ribery retires from the sport. The 39-year-old announced the decision on Friday.
Ribery joined Bayern in summer 2007 and went on to define an era at the club. The winger won nine Bundesliga titles, six DFB Cups, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during 12 years in Munich. The Frenchman was crowned Europe’s Footballer of the Year as Bayern won the treble in 2013. He made a total of 425 appearances in Red, scoring 124 goals and providing 182 assists.
FC Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn: “One of the greatest careers in football – not just FC Bayern – is coming to an end with Franck Ribery. I had the fortune to play together with him and could see clearly from my goal how he excited our fans with his attacking play at the other end of the pitch. Franck was a rogue on the pitch, something very special, stood for cunning. FC Bayern is proud to have had him in its ranks for over 10 years and to have won the biggest titles with him.”
FC Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß: “Franck Ribery is one of the greatest players FC Bayern has ever had. The fans always loved his unmistakable, brazen manner on the pitch. You could always see in him and his game that he felt at home at FC Bayern and in Munich. I got to know Franck as a great player and reliable friend. Well done and merci, Franck!“
FC Bayern board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic: “Franck has had a wonderful career and given so much to football. There’s always talk of football needing characters, and Franck was one of the biggest characters in world football. You don’t get many like him, so we’ll miss him. FC Bayern is still grateful to him today. Looking back, Franck’s signing in 2007 was sort of the foundation for FC Bayern’s rise to being consistently one of Europe’s best clubs. Franck was a virtuoso on the ball, a great fighter, a joker, always left his soul on the pitch and gave his all for our club. He won everything possible with Bayern: The Champions League, Club World Cup, the treble, Bundesliga, DFB Cup, Supercup. FC Bayern will always be a home for him.“
After leaving Bayern, Ribery moved to Italy, spending two years at Fiorentina before joining Salernitana. FC Bayern would like to thank Franck for everything and wish him all the best for his future.
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