Franck Ribéry hangs up his boots amid serious knee injury

Former French footballer and Bayern Munich legend, Franck Ribéry has announced his retirement from football after a long struggle with a knee injury. Thus, marking an end to an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades.

The 39-year-old, who made his senior debut in 2006 and represented France in 81 games, won the French Player of the Year thrice and one German Player of the Year while playing for Bayern Munich. He was a standout for Bayern as he won 9 Bundesliga titles, 6 DFB-Pokal, and one Champions League. In his treble-winning season with Bayern in 2012-2013, he was nominated alongside Ronaldo and Messi in the top 3 of the Ballon d'Or and was also a part of the UEFA Team of the Year.

Ribéry is currently with the Italian Serie A club Salernitana, where he is a player and also in charge as a technical collaborator. The Italian club confirmed that they have mutually decided to end the player's contract but also mentioned that Ribéry will continue to be a part of the club in another role.

The player posted an emotional video on social media where he thanked his club, family, and friends. Also mentioned that this is just the end of his playing career, not his professional story. The player is expected to bid farewell to the fans before their Serie A game against Spezia.

Also Read | 'Heat of the moment gets the best of us': Ronaldo after getting dropped from Manchester United squad