Marco Reus to Bayern talk doesn't bother Franck Ribery

BERLIN

Bayern Munich veteran Franck Ribery says he is not concerned about the possible arrival of Germany winger Marco Reus at the Bavarian giants for next season.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge last month drew attention to the release clause, worth 25 million euros, in Reus's Borussia Dortmund contract, which means the 25-year-old could join the Bavarian giants at the end of the season.

But France winger Ribery says he would have no problem battling the Germany star for a place on Bayern's left wing.

"He's a good player, but I have been here for a while, even if I will be 32 (next April)," Ribery told German magazine Kicker.

"I feel good, things are going well here.

"I'm still an important player, you still have to reckon with me here."

Ribery has won all possible trophies with Bayern since joining Munich in 2007.

He was part of the team which won the treble of European, league and cup titles in 2013 and with Pep Guardiola's side currently four points clear in the table, they are on course to win a third straight Bundesliga title.

"I know what I have brought this club and what I can still bring to the side," said Ribery.

"I still want to win titles and want to work. I am still hungry."

RARE STARTS

With Ribery on Bayern's left flank and Arjen Robben on the right, the pair have been a potent attacking force for Guardiola's Bayern, but injuries means it is rare for them both to start together these days.

"When we're both 100 per cent fit, that is a big advantage for the team," said Ribery.

"This is the best team I have ever been a part of.

"When everything runs like normal, we are hard to stop in the Bundesliga, but in Europe, Real Madrid could be a hindrance.

"We still have a few players missing like (Javi) Martinez, (Bastian) Schweinsteiger, Thiago (Alcantara), (Holger) Badstuber, now (Philipp) Lahm and (David) Alaba are also injured, but with them back, we will only improve."

OUTSTANDING AFTER RETURN

Ribery has only just returned from a knee injury and was outstanding in creating two goals in Bayern's 4-0 league romp at Eintracht Frankfurt a fortnight ago.

"I was worried about a bit of a reaction on my knee, it's still not an easy thing for me," he added.

"I feel good, but the knee is not yet in top condition."

Ribery said his international career is over and ruled out a return to the France shirt having won 81 caps for Les Bleus between 2006 and 2014.

"For me, it's over with the national team and I enjoy the international break now," he said.

"I can look after my family and I, so as things are, it's going well for me."