Retired for more than two years, Franck Ribéry spoke about his career with the French team and is not necessarily closing the door on the future.
“I was very important for the French team, the top scorer, the best passer. I had a blast. But when I had that little back problem that kept me out of the World Cup, there were little things that really didn’t please me, and I felt like I didn’t have any support behind me. But it’s a chapter that’s turned, and I wish the French team good luck.” These were Franck Ribery’s final words for the French national team, having missed the 2014 World Cup after playing a key role in the qualifying round.
Regarding the media’s discretion on this subject, the Bayern Munich legend, who hung up his boots for good during the 2022-2023 season, reflected on his time with France. While he admits that Germany is his home, where he raises his children, the French winger obviously insists that he “loves France, my country!” I don’t forget any of my stages, my struggles (…) There were difficult situations. I made stupid mistakes. I know that. But who doesn’t! There were injustices, too. I was especially criticized by people who don’t know football from the inside. But I was always respected by footballers. They know,” he told L’Équipe, he who has been criticized a lot by the media.
Franck Ribéry campaigns for Zinédine Zidane
And it left a lasting impression on him. He, who doesn’t think he’ll ever return to live in France, reflected on the end of his time with Les Bleus: “There are moments, situations, periods in life, relationships with people that change and lead you to sometimes difficult decisions. I did it. I embraced it,” he explains, hoping to remember all the wonderful emotions he experienced with Les Bleus, from the 2006 World Cup to the playoff against Ukraine in 2013. “We rock the Stade de France! This connection with the French public was incredible. I was at the height of my career in 2013.”
Finally, Franck Ribéry doesn’t want to close the door on the French national team for good and hasn’t said no… especially if Zinédine Zidane were to arrive to replace Didier Deschamps. “We’ve always had a good relationship. He remains like a big brother (…) But we are making scenarios. Already, we don’t know exactly if it will be him after. I hope so because Zizou is the best who could happen to the Blues,” he concluded. The future will tell us…
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