Friday, April 17, 2009

Van Bommel claims misquote

Van Bommel claims misquote
Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel claims he was misquoted when stating team-mate Franck Ribery wants to sign for Barcelona.

Ribery is one of Europe's most sought-after assets, with Barca, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City all thought to be tracking the France international.

Rumour has suggested that Ribery could be interested in leaving Bayern in the summer, and Van Bommel was recently quoted as saying that his colleague was keen on a move to the Camp Nou.

But, according to Bayern's press officer Markus Horwick, the Dutchman claims his far-from-perfect Spanish was misinterpreted in an interview.

"Van Bommel tried to give an interview in Spanish, but what he meant to say is not what was interpreted," explained Horwick.

"He was asked if he thought Ribery was good enough to play for Barcelona and he said that he felt he was.

"I would ask that all the online reports in the Spanish media claiming the contrary be removed.

"Mark has asked me explicitly to raise this issue."

Van Bommel is also "looking forward to continuing playing alongside Franck next season", according to Horwick.