Ribery set to make Spain next stop
BERLIN - Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery would most likely sign for a Spanish club if he decided to leave the Bundesliga leaders, he was quoted as saying on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old has been widely expected to leave Bayern at the end of the season, despite a contract that runs until 2011, after Real Madrid tried to sign him last year.
Several top clubs, including Real, Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked by local media with the creative midfielder, who has endured an injury-hit season.
"There still is no decision. I am still thinking about it at this time. But I would be lying if I said there was no trend in one direction," he told Sport Bild.
"If I decided against staying at Bayern then I would most surely go to Spain, although Chelsea are also a great club on a par with Real or Barcelona," added Ribery, who said last year he would like to play for Real at some point.
The Frenchman, who will be heading to this year's World Cup in South Africa, said he would seek a long-term deal at whichever club he plays for next season.
"Wherever I would go I would consider a five-year contract," he said.
Ribery, whose table-topping team are chasing three trophies this year after their run to the German Cup semi-finals and Champions League quarter-finals, is expected to decide on his future in the coming weeks.
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"After that everything will happen very quickly," he said.