Persistent knee injury leading to a lack of game time for the former Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery cited as the main reason behind his retirement.
Football fans around the world recognize Franck Ribery from a very successful Bayern Munich campaign where he spent 12 seasons, winning 9 titles and the 2013 UEFA Champions League. Ribery was part of the prolific partnership, popular as ‘Rob-bery’ with Bayern teammate Arjen Robben.
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In a video announcing his retirement on social media, Ribery said,
“Dear friends, dear fans,” he wrote. “I wanted to make this short video to tell you that the time has come for me to retire from playing football.
“With you and your support, I was able to make my dream become a reality, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“The fact I was able to play at a high level for almost 20 years and to have this career is also because, even at difficult times, you were always there. You have given me the strength to live this incredible adventure.
“But today, despite the effort I have made in the last three months, the pain in my knee has only worsened and the doctors are clear, I have no choice but to stop playing.”
Franck Ribery left Bayern Munich in 2019, on a free transfer, and joined Italian side Fiorentina for two seasons. He joined the Serie A team, Salernitana, last year, making 23 appearances last season. This season proved quite challenging for the 39-year-old legend. He played only twice this August before picking up a knee injury.
One of Franck Ribery’s career achievements includes almost winning the 2013 Balon d’Or, which he lost to Cristiano Ronaldo. Ribery described the loss as a ‘robbery’ having won a treble with Bayern Munich (the UEFA Champions League, the Bundesliga, and a League Cup).
After starting his career in France with Boulogne, Ribery went on to play for Ales, Brest, Metz, and Galatasaray before a transfer to Marseille in 2005, where he spent two years.
He then moved to Bayern Munich in 2007. With 19 goals in all competitions in his debut season, Ribery became an instant hit in Bavaria.
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