Ribery joins Salernitana

Ribery joins Salernitana Image

One of the best French players in the past two decades Franck Ribery has signed for newly-promoted Serie A side Salernitana at the age of 38.

Ribery joins the club after leaving Fiorentina at the end of last season.

The veteran winger, who won nine Bundesliga titles and the Champions League during 12 years with Bayern Munich was linked with a return to the German giant before signing a one-year deal with Salernitana.

He also has 81 caps for France and was part of their side that finished as runners-up in the 2006 World Cup.

"I immediately saw the passion of the fans and I already feel at home, as if I had been here for 2-3 years. I still have desire and energy, my task is that to help the team with my experience. I want to give Salernitana what I gave Fiorentina," said Ribery.

“I'm happy for the enthusiasm of the people, but I already felt the warmth of Salerno in Monaco because in recent days I received so many messages from the fans and for me it was incredible. The fans made me feel at home as if I had been here for years,” said Ribery at the press conference and then explained the reasons for his choice.

“I live for football, for a passion, if I lived for money I would not stay here. My family is important and I explained everything to them. Physically I'm still fine and I have a lot to prove.”

Ribery is expected to make his debut for the team next Sunday against Torino and he feels ready for that.

“When will I play? I hope soon, it is important to find the rhythm immediately. I want to be useful to my team, help everyone, especially the youngest. The role? I will talk to the coach about it, that’s important.”

Salernitana has lost both games in Serie A this season, 3-2 in Bologna in the opening round and 4-0 when they hosted Roma in the second.

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