06.01.2010
Ribery keeps Bayern Munich fans guessing
French international Franck Ribery, seen here in 2009, has hinted he could make amends to fans and chiefs at Bayern Munich, by seeking a contract extension with the club.
"Why not?" Ribery told the media when asked if he would consider extending his contract past 2011 when it expires.
Ribery, who is in Dubai on a team training camp, said however he wants his case settled before the start of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa this June.
"It's me who will decide. We'll sit around the table and come up with a solution but whatever it is it has to be settled before the World Cup."
Fans of the German giants, however, may not be getting their hopes up.
The highly-valued midfielder has been a target of top clubs since producing some scintillating performances for Bayern last season, notably Real Madrid, who failed to sign him last summer.
Bayern bosses have recently denied rumours they will cash in on Ribery next summer by selling him to the Spanish giants.
According to Bayern's sporting director, Christoph Nerlinger, talks will begin in the coming weeks.
"We want to keep Franck, but we have to come to an arrangement that is a win-win situation for both parties," he said.
"What matters most is that he gets back to playing regularly."
Ribery has been out of action since October 3 due to injury, a fact that Bild newspaper was keen to highlight Wednesday with a full page detailing Ribery's injury setbacks entitled "The French Patient - episode 601".
After suffering blisters on his foot in the summer, he was then sidelined with knee tendinitis. He was due to return in mid-December but then suffered an ankle injury in training.
Bayern return to Bundesliga action against Hoffenheim on January 15, but Ribery - who has played only six of 17 league matches all season - is still uncertain.
Source: © 2010 AFP - Juergen Schwarz
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