Champions League results are key: Ribery

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery, courted by some of Europe’s top sides including Real Madrid, said Wednesday his future at the German giants will depend on how well they do in the Champions League.

“Our result in the Champions League will of course play a part in my decision. For me, footballing potential is the most important thing,” the French international midfielder told the Sport Bild magazine.

“Seeing how the team is playing, we’ve got every chance in the Champions League,” Ribery said as Bayern prepared to host Serie A team Fiorentina in the first leg of the last 16.

Bayern go into the match as clear favourites, on the back of an impressive run of 12 straight wins in all competitions that has seen them advance to the semi-finals of the German Cup and joint top of the Bundesliga.

“Our squad isn’t quite as good as Barcelona or Real but when everyone is on form, the 11 on the pitch are top class,” he said.

Ribery, 26, arrived at the club in 2007 and his contract runs until June 2011 but he has been linked to some of the top names in Europe. Bayern have said they will make the player an offer at the beginning of March.

Sport Bild said that Bayern had lined up 25-year-old Serbian winger Milos Krasic from CSKA Moscow, to replace Ribery if he decides to leave the Allianz Stadium.

Ribery has won 41 caps and scored seven goals for France and looks set to be one of the stars of the 2010 World Cup which takes place in South Africa from June 11 to July 11.