Ribery rejects Real reports

Bayern Munich ace Franck Ribery has rejected reports suggesting he had signed a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid, but has hinted his future may lie away from the Allianz Arena.

The gifted France international was strongly linked with a switch to Santiago Bernabeu in the summer but remained with the Bundesliga giants, while Manchester United and Chelsea were also believed to be keen on his services.

Bayern have set a deadline for Ribery to make a decision over his next move as they do not want him to run down his existing contract, which is due to expire in the summer of 2011, and then leave as a free agent.

The 26-year-old is also eager to see his future resolved and has suggested that Louis van Gaal's side, who only just scraped through to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, may not match his current level of ambition.

Quality

Ribery told Bild : "No, no, no! I have signed no pre-contract with Real. I haven't signed anything.

"Money plays no role in my considerations. I have a very good living, earning good money.

"I need to know by the end of the season if I am staying on or if I am leaving then.

"I would like to win the Champions League, but our team probably does not have the quality.

"Right now, we cannot compete with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal or Inter Milan."

Consider

Van Gaal, who was only appointed in the summer, came under pressure after Bayern's indifferent start to the season, although they have now recovered to trail leaders Bayer Leverkusen by just two points.

And Ribery was less than enthusiastic when asked if the Dutchman's continued involvement at Bayern would help persuade him to extend his spell with the club.

The winger said: "He is working for this club, I am working for this club. Him staying on would not be the big factor.

"Uli Hoeness (chairman) or Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (president) are more factors to consider for me."

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