Who to seize the good Franck Ribéry business?

Fiorentina wanted its star. In an increasingly attractive Serie A, the Viola also wanted to attract a big name in the football world in 2019 under the leadership of its new owner Rocco Commisso. And the great coup of the Florentines was named Franck Ribéry. Free after twelve years of good and loyal service to Bayern Munich, the Frenchman was looking for a new challenge. PSV, Lokomotiv Moscow or even Gulf clubs had tried their luck.

The great name awaited by Fiorentina

But the former OM player still had the legs and the desire to continue in a major championship. So he said yes to Fiorentina. Welcomed by many tifosi on his arrival on Italian soil, he then put on the show, juggling in front of more than 20,000 fans at the Artemio Franchi stadium. All on the song from the movie “Rocky”. A success. Success also during his presentation to the press where, supported by a translator, he answered perfectly in Italian. A full box.

It remained to be seen if the mayonnaise would set on the green rectangle as well. During the 2019-20 financial year, his first in Tuscany, the native of Boulogne-sur-Mer had played 21 matches in all competitions (19 as a holder). Time to register 3 goals and deliver 3 assists. However, it should be noted that he had been injured several times, including once to the ankle in November 2019 following a horrible tackle. He had missed 126 days of competition.

The French wanted to stay

The following year, in 2020-21, he finished with a record of 2 goals and 6 assists in 30 matches (28 starts). But again, he had been betrayed by his body (3 injuries during the season). La Viola, who could not count on him as much as she wanted despite his experience and his contribution to certain meetings, had a decision to make this summer. Indeed, the Frenchman came to the end of his contract on June 30. The ball was in his court since the player was ready to stay.

“My priority now is Fiorentina”, had confessed last March Ribéry. On social networks also he multiplied the appeals of the foot to the Fio, proclaiming his love for the club. To stay, he was even ready to reduce his salary, estimated at 4 million euros, by two according to the Gazzetta dello Sport. The transalpine media added that he had spoken with Gennaro Gattuso, appointed coach before leaving twenty-two days later. Despite all his efforts, Ribéry did not convince.

A new club to find

Fiorentina has decided not to renew its lease. A disappointment for the 38-year-old footballer. But he didn’t say his last word. Because FR7 still wants to continue for one or even two years depending on the Gazzetta. But where ? Already interested in the past, the teams of the Gulf countries could relaunch it. But a priori, Ribéry still wants to play in Europe, in a high level championship. Italy has its preference. A few weeks ago, Monza, residents of Serie B, was on the spot.

But according to Sky Italia, it is Serie A that he is aiming for. He would have asked his agents to find him a base in the Italian first division. A return to Germany, where his family resides in Munich, is not to be excluded according to the transalpine press. Unless a French club rushes into the breach and tries to recover it for free. Franck Ribéry, who is preparing physically as we have seen on his social networks, will listen to the proposals and decide on his future. It remains to be seen where the player passed through France, Turkey, Germany and Italy will put his bags.