United told to back off Ribery
United told to back off Ribery
Also In The News
|
Britain's Tim Henman is in deep trouble after falling two sets behind Russia's Dmitry Tursunov in his second round match at the French Open. |  |
Thursday, 01, Jun 2006 09:34
Manchester United have been warned that the young Marseille winger Franck Ribery is not for sale.
Ribery started the season in the France under-21 team but his trickery on the left wing has forced him into the full France squad for the World Cup.
Lyon and United have approached L'OM about the youngster, inevitably being touted as the "new Zidane".
The Marseille chairman Pape Diouf said: "Our interest is to keep Franck Ribery for another season.
"I've told that to Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas but I know he's stubborn and will keep trying.
"Manchester United representatives have also approached us and we told them the same thing, which is that Franck Ribery is not for sale."
The skillful player has performed so well this season that he is putting pressure on Zinedine Zidane's place in the first team.
Thierry Henry explained his status in France: "He carries the expectations of a nation. I think he has the talent to do it. He is our trump card."
The 23-year-old only made his international debut in the warm-up game with Mexico this month and also played well in the friendly against Denmark.