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Ribery opens door for Arsenal and Real Madrid
Franck Ribery will not commit his long-term future to Marseille - opening the door to a potential move to either Real Madrid or Arsenal next season.
Franck Ribery will not commit his long-term future to Marseille - opening the door to a potential move to either Real Madrid or Arsenal next season.
"It is certain that there have been some contacts since the World Cup," Ribery said on Thursday. "Now they have renewed their interest."
Spanish media has linked Ribery with Madrid, but Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger expressed an interest after the France winger played well at the June 9-July 9 World Cup.
"I like two championships: the English and the Spanish," Ribery said. "Clubs from both countries are interested in me." The 23-year-old Ribery is under contract with Marseille until 2010, but he's unlikely to stay that long.
"I will stay with Marseille until the end of the season, then we will see what happens," Ribery said. "My objective is to perform well here until the end of the season so that the club can qualify for the Champions League."
Marseille is in sixth place in the French league. Ribery has not played since November 12 because of a groin problem, but could return for Saturday's French Cup match against amateur team Cambrai.
"He is very well," Marseille coach Albert Emon told the club's Web site. "Touch wood. He has had three great training sessions."
