2006 FIFA World Cup runner-up Franck Ribery, who currently captains Serie A club Salernitana, is reportedly set to announce his retirement from the professional football. The 39-year-old winger has been out of action since mid-August due to growing pain in his knees.
After spending 12 seasons with German club Bayern Munich from 2007 to 2019, Ribery signed for Italian side Fiorentina in August 2019. The French went on to sign for Salernitana on September 6, 2021, after playing two seasons for La Viola.
A report by L’Équipe suggested that Ribery, who intended to play past his 40 years of age, is close to call an end to his long career.
Ribery has appeared 23 times for Salernitana since his move in 2021 and registered three assists. After his retirement, the French international is expected to remain at the club for this season as their ambassador.
The former Marseille man recorded 425 appearances for Bayern Munich and scored 124 goals and made 182 assists for the club.
In 2012-13 season, Ribery was nominated alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the three-man shortlist for the 2013 Ballon d'Or award as Bayern Munich won the treble.