Ribery: ‘I have no choice but to stop playing’

Franck Ribery explained the reasons why he decided to hang up his boots and retire, ending a storied 22-year career.

The 39-year-old Frenchman only briefly appeared for Salernitana this season, making two appearances across Serie A and the Coppa Italia in August before being forced to the sidelines with an injury. 

Physical issues have blighted the last few years of Ribery’s career, forcing him to miss a number of games for both Fiorentina and Salernitana since his departure from Bayern Munich in 2019.

In a short video on Instagram, Ribery reflected on his long career and explained the reason why he decided to retire.

“Dear friends and fans, I wanted to prepare this short video to announce that the time has come for me to say goodbye to football. With you, with your support, I have realised my dream and I am grateful to you from the bottom of my heart. 

“If for almost twenty years I have been able to play at a high level and pursue this career, it is also because in difficult times, you have always been there for me. You gave me the strength I needed to live this incredible adventure. 

“Today, however, despite having tried my best over the past three months, the pain in my knee has only worsened and the doctors have been clear: I have no choice but to stop playing. I am therefore obliged to end my career as a professional player here. 

“It is the end of a fantastic chapter in my life, but also an opportunity to thank all those without whom I would not be who I am today: my family to begin with, who made all this possible. 

“My teammates and coaches, with whom I have shared incredible moments and immeasurable joys, without forgetting the managers and staff of the clubs in which I had the good fortune to grow up. 

“It is the end of a chapter, the one as a player, but not of my professional history, you can be sure of that. So it only remains for me to say goodbye and see you soon, for the start of a new chapter.”

Salernitana coach Davide Nicola announced today that Ribery will now join his staff at the Campania club and he’ll likely work on picking up his UEFA coaching licences over the next few years.

The Frenchman famously spent 12 years with Bayern Munich from 2007 to 2009, winning a number of major honours including nine Bundesliga titles, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.