Ribery set for Bayern departure

According to Bild, Franck Ribery will indeed leave Bayern Munich at the end of this season – according to club director Hasan Salihamidzic.

The 35 year old has been heavily linked with a departure from the German champions ever since it was announced that Arjen Robben would be leaving, and now, it seems to be a virtual certainty.

The Frenchman has been a key member of Bayern’s first team ever since he joined from Marseille back in 2007, and he likely will be for as long as he decides to stay.

Ribery, who played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final with France, has long since been viewed as one of the best attacking midfielders/wingers of his generation. While there’s the possibility of him moving to another club after leaving Bayern, potentially in China or the MLS, fans would probably still look at his career fondly if he decides to head off into retirement.