Bayern Munich Football Club News

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Beckenbauer rates Ribery

08 Jun 2009 - 11:30:27

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Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has admitted that it will be a massive blow if Franck Ribery opts to leave the German giants this summer.

The 26-year-old France forward is being linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea and is widely expected to be on the move in the near future.

Beckenbauer told Bild: "I can see only two solutions - Ribery extends his contract so the issue is dealt with, or we release him.

"I rate Ribery alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the best footballers in the world at present.

"If he were to leave, it would be the second huge loss for the Bundesliga after Diego.

"However, if Ribery wants to leave, then it will be hard for us to keep hold of him.

"So many so-called irreplaceable players have gone yet football has still moved on.

"Obviously it would be a shame, though, and it is hard to imagine Bayern being better without Ribery."