Soccer:Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is determined to hold on to Franck Ribery for next season so the club can challenge the European supremacy of Barcelona.
The France winger’s current deal expires next year when he will be able to leave the Allianz Arena on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old, who has said he has not yet made up his mind over his future, has been strongly linked with a move to the Primera Division, and it was assumed, should he not extend his contract, that Bayern would prefer to cash in on their prized asset this summer than risk losing him for nothing.
“We will hold talks. Our clear aim is still to extend the contract,” Rummenigge said. “But if we do not achieve that, it doesn’t automatically mean that we will sell Franck this summer.
“We want to have a team next season who achieve their goals domestically and internationally take another step forward. We have the goal in the future not to travel humbly to Barcelona, but rather with a chance of being at the same level. Franck is necessary to do that.”
Rummenigge also insisted Arjen Robben would be staying put, the Dutchman having enjoyed a brilliant debut season in Munich.
“Arjen’s contract here has three more years to run. He is very happy. His father said to me, ‘Perhaps he would have been better coming to you three years ago’,” he said.