Ribery puts worst year behind him

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery says he has overcome what he described as the ‘darkest period of his life’ in 2010.

Ribery, 28, and other members of the France national team were embroiled in a sex scandal with an under-age prostitute in 2010, but escaped custodial sentences after a prolonged trial.

Ribery was suspended from international duty for three matches after France’s chaotic World Cup later the same year.

And the forward has also battled a string of injuries in recent seasons, but claims he is beginning to enjoy life again.

“I will not lie to you, it (2010) was horrible,” Ribery told Le Parisien.

“Really. I lived the darkest period of my life.”

“But it is behind me and I do not want to talk about it anymore. I have turned the page. I am a happy man again.”

The former Marseille player said he is working hard to regain trust from France’s fans after his role in the team’s training-ground strike at the World Cup.

“The whistles are always hard to understand,” Ribery said.

“What I did at the World Cup was wrong and the fans can blame me for that.”

“That failure crushed me, and the fans must know this. I love playing for France and I feel pride every time I am called up for the team.”

“Before this, I was the fans’ blue-eyed boy. Then, I was rejected.”

“But my story with Les Bleus is far from over. Together with the fans, we will have good moments to share.”

Ribery, who scored both goals in Bayern’s 2-0 victory over Schalke on Sunday, said he feels more comfortable playing for club than country, but is beginning to regain his confidence at international level.

“At Bayern, I have rediscovered the pleasure of playing,” Ribery added.

“Here, my body is completely free.”

“With Les Bleus, everything I do is a bit more strained. I played better against Belgium in November, I was more calm.”