Bayern reiterate Ribery stance

26 June 2009 10:36
Bayern Munich have once again insisted that in-demand midfielder Franck Ribery is not for sale at any price. The Frenchman is one of Europe's top stars and is reportedly being tracked by top rate clubs Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the latter said to be his preferred destination. Inconsistent reports coming from Germany have led to the biggest transfer saga of the summer, with Real Madrid ready to make yet another substantial offer for one of the world's best players. Bayern legend and current club chairman Karl-Heinze Rummenigge has however reiterated that the Bundesliga giants are unwilling to part ways with the 26-year-old. "Franck Ribery is irreplaceable," he told L'Equipe. "Real Madrid know our position: he is not for sale. "That Franck wants to go to Real is not a surprise. It's a fascinating club and attractive on a financial level. But Bayern are not a bad club either. "At our club the doors are solid and very resistant and we're not going to push up the bidding. The France international joined Bayern from Marseille for €25m in 2007 and has been a revelation in an otherwise disappointing two seasons for the German club, and Rummenigge knows Ribery is key if they are to return to the top of Europe again. "Ribery figures among the best players of the world. And when you have a player of this quality among the squad you don't separate," he said. "We want to build around this player who (Bayern coach) Louis van Gaal absolutely wants under his command."

Source: SKY_Sports