The recently retired Franck Ribery discussed his new life in the Salernitana backroom and how special it was to avoid suffering relegation with the Campania side last season.
The 39-year-old Frenchman announced last month that he was hanging up his boots due to a serious knee injury, an issue that left him sidelined since the summer. Ribery spent the final year of his career with Salernitana and developed a strong connection with the club in that time, deciding to work with coach Davide Nicola after retiring.
Speaking to Il Mattino, Ribery first discussed how things were going for him at Salernitana, working as a technical coach.
“At the beginning it was a bit strange, so many things have changed in a day. I’m happy with this new role, to be able to lend a hand to the team and staff.
“I gladly accepted Nicola’s proposal and I was very pleased that the club did everything they could to keep me in Salerno.”
The Frenchman then reflected on the incredible emotions he felt during his one season with the Campania outfit.
“I have won many trophies, it’s true. But this, with the Granata, is special. I had never played for a side avoiding relegation and it was incredible.
“When you finish like that, at the last moment, and you see all the fans who are happy, it’s the best. For me it was important and unforgettable. Never give up, in short, I always believed in it.”
Ribery left Bayern Munich for Serie A in August 2019, heading to Fiorentina on a free transfer. He spent two years at the club, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists in 51 games. After leaving on a free transfer, he spent last season with Salernitana, providing three assists in 25 matches.