Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery continues to develop as one of soccer's top players on a game-by-game basis. The 30-year-old is no stranger to personal and club success, having led Bayern to the UEFA Champions League, German Bundesliga and DFB Cup a year ago while also taking home individual honors including Champions League Best Player and the Best Player in Europe Award. A highly respected player across the international spectrum as well, the Boulogne-sur-Mer, France native was recently named a finalist for the Ballon d'Or Award, given annually to the top player in professional soccer. Added to the shortlist alongside Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, this trophy would undoubtedly solidify Ribery as one of the best on the planet.
Though Ribery's immediate future with the German superpower is not up in the air – given the fact that he's under contract through the 2017 season – the France international said that he has no plans to play for another European club before the end of his career but did not rule out a possible move to the MLS. Ribery has previously talked about moving to Spain but after inking a contract that will keep him with the Bundesliga power until the age of 34, the Golden Boot finalist feels comfortable where he is. Hopeful that he'll be able to play on the current level throughout his career, Ribery understands that he is getting older and that a move away from the top divisions might be the best situation down the road.
“In Europe, there will be no other club, but it would be a bonus for me if there can be another continent after that,” he said recently. “I could be tempted to go to a country like the U.S. or maybe the United Arab Emirates, but I would not count that as part of my real career. That would be something I would do to wind up my career and could not be compared to what I have experienced in Munich. I will stay in Munich as long as it is possible. I hope I can play at this level for as long as possible, but I don't think about it. I enjoy the moment but I am 30 and I am getting older.”
In 13 Bundesliga matches this season, Ribery has recorded 6 goals and 7 assists while helping Munich to the top of the league table with 44 points through 16 matches.
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