Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has launched a scathing attack on Franck Ribery, claiming he is just using the club to further his own career. Beckenbauer questioned the Frenchman's loyalty to Bayern after he was strongly linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena this summer. Spanish giants Real Madrid pursued the 26-year-old, who has made it clear that he would have preferred to leave this summer. "Ribery only came here to make a name for himself," Beckenbauer was quoted by the Bild newspaper as saying at a benefit evening last night. "He doesn't give a damn about Munich."
Bayern have resisted the temptation to sell Ribery to Madrid, despite the fear of losing him for a reduced fee next summer due to Fifa article 17 which allows a player under the age of 28 to walk away from a club after three years of his contract. Ribery signed a four-year contract when he arrived in Munich from Marseille two years ago. Beckenbauer believes the midfielder was aware of this rule when he signed that deal. "Why would I sign a four-year contract if I only want to stay for three?" he said. Meanwhile, Ribery is a doubt for the start of the new Bundesliga season due to a knee injury which has kept him out of training for the last week.
Bayern's director of sport Christian Nerlinger admitted his involvement against Hoffenheim on August 8 is "severely in danger". "We are all looking forward to seeing Franck Ribery next season, but only when he is fit again," he said on ZDF television. * PA Sport
