Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery says he is looking forward to playing against former club Marseille after receiving a warm reception on his arrival in the city on Tuesday.
Marseille host Bayern in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, which will see Ribery play in a club game at Stade Velodrome for the first time since he left OM for the Bavarian giants in 2007.
In an interview with French sports daily L'Equipe published on Tuesday, Ribery said he expected a hostile reception from the fans of his old club, but instead he was greeted warmly by OM supporters as he arrived at the airport.
"I wasn't surprised, no, because I think the people know my mentality," he said at a press conference later in the day.
"I have a similar mentality to the people from here. I love football and giving the best of myself."
Ribery's career took flight during his two-year spell at Marseille between 2005 and 2007, and he admitted that it was odd to find himself in opposition to his former club.
"It's a bit strange for me," he said. "I played here for two years and it went very well. I'm very happy to be back.
"The bus journey to the hotel brought back lots of good memories. It's a city that loves football.
"I hope that things go well for us tomorrow (Wednesday). It'll be difficult. Marseille are in a delicate position in the league and they'll be eager to do something good."
Marseille have gone eight games without a win in all competitions, including a run of seven straight defeats prior to Saturday's 1-1 draw at Nice.
However, they beat German champions Borussia Dortmund twice in the Champions League group phase before eliminating Inter Milan in the last 16, and Ribery remains wary of their big-game pedigree.
"It'll be a very complicated match," said the 28-year-old.
"They'll want to put in a huge performance and they'll be very motivated and aggressive. It's up to us to be focused and not to put ourselves under needless pressure. It's important to get a good result here."
Ribery also expressed exasperation at the criticism he continues to receive for his below-par performances for the France national team, compared to the adulation to which he has become accustomed in Munich.
"I've said quite often, I feel at home in Munich," said the Frenchman, who has scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists in the Bundesliga this season.
"It's a family club, where the people have big hearts. At difficult moments, they've been at my side even more.
"When I return to France, particularly with the national team, it's a bit different. There's always a bit of criticism, but I'm sure it'll sort itself out.
"What's easier in Germany is that the teams like to attack. For the supporters, each match is a party and you play in full stadiums.
"In France, you only see real fans who love football at Marseille."
Source: AFP
