Ribery enjoying life under Guardiola

Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery believes the atmosphere at the club under new boss Pep Guardiola is better than with Louis van Gaal.

The Frenchman had a poor relationship with van Gaal while he was at the Allianz Arena between 2009 and 2011, almost prompting a move away from the club for the 30-year-old.

However, he remained at Bayern, going on to become an important member of Jupp Heynckes’ treble-winning squad last season.

Now, under Guardiola, Ribery feels there is a positive atmosphere within the dressing room.

“Things didn’t really feel right on a human level with Van Gaal, but it was positive from day one with Guardiola,” he told the Bundesliga website.

“You can feel a mutual respect and recognition.”

Ribery, along with teammates Thomas Mueller, Arjen Robben and Mario Mandzukic, was nominated for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award this week.

However, the France international has targeted winning the FIFA Ballon d’Or and believes he will rarely get a better chance to be crowned as the world’s best player.

“I think I’ve done everything to be the world’s best player,” he continued.

“I’ve played a very, very good season. It’s either now or never for winning this prize. I can’t play any better than this.”

Ribery is contracted to the Bavarian giants until 2017 and admitted he would like to stay until the close of his playing days.

“Both I and the club want me to end my career here,” he added.

“I hope to win lots more trophies yet. If I reach the end of my current contract, then I will have been at Bayern for a decade and that would be really cool.”