Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Franck Ribery is unsure whether his future lies at Bayern Munich amid speculation he could soon join Real Madrid.
New Real president Florentino Perez has made Ribery one of his priority signings for the close season, while the France winger has also been linked with several other leading European clubs.
Ribery refused to dampen the transfer talk when he appeared on French TV programme Telefoot yesterday.
"I will see how my situation is going to develop. Honestly, I don't know - my situation isn't easy to deal with," the former Marseille winger said.
"I am under contract until 2011 with Bayern, I am fine over there. I'm not someone who likes to clash - I have spent two good years at Bayern.
"We will see how everything turns out."
Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness has sent out mixed signals by first claiming Ribery was not for sale at any price, then expressing his willingness to speak to Perez.
Today, Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer called for Ribery's future to be decided one way or another to prevent a long-running soap opera this summer.
"I can see only two solutions: Ribery extends his contract so the issue is dealt with or we release him," Beckenbauer told the Bild newspaper.
"I rate Ribery alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and (Lionel) Messi as the best footballers in the world at present," he added in the Bild newspaper.
"If he were to leave, it would be the second huge loss for the Bundesliga after Diego (who left Werder Bremen for Juventus).
"However, if Ribery wants to leave, then it will be hard for us to keep hold of him."
Nevertheless, Beckenbauer does not believe Bayern's world would fall apart without the 26-year-old.
"So many so-called irreplaceable players have gone yet football has still moved on," he said.
"Obviously it would be a shame, though, and it is hard to imagine Bayern being better without Ribery."
Real are believed to be preparing a bid which would tempt Bayern's new Dutch coach Louis van Gaal by offering his two compatriots Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder offered together with a sizeable sum for a man who, according to Hoeness, has just one of his legs valued at 50 million euros.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments