(Interview)Ribery: No revenge against Atletico, we just win

Before Bayern Munich' s Champions League duel against Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich striker Franck Ribery is more determined than ever to disprove critics regarding his age.

The 33-year old Frenchman seems to be in the shape of his lifetime. Bayern's new style of play introduced by coach Carlo Ancelotti is not the only reason for Ribery to be happy.

"The coach gives us a lot of freedom. On the pitch, I can follow my imagination," Ribery said in a recent Xinhua Interview. The full text of the interview is as follows:

Xinhua: Mr. Ribery, in the Bundesliga we recently saw a French magician on the pitch mesmerizing both his opponents and the crowd.

Ribery: (laughing) Lucky you. Who was the guy?

Xinhua: Well he pretty much looked like you?

Ribery: (laughing) Ups, I wouldn't mind meeting him too.

Xinhua: We bet you would but not opposing defenders - they have nightmares just thinking of you.

Ribery: (laughing) Honestly, I just feel good and happy at the moment.

Xinhua: Next week you and Bayern will meet Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Looking at your brilliant performance in the Bundesliga, we assume you don' t like the national league more than the Champions League.

Ribery: (laughing) You're trying to pull my leg eh. It's normal for Bayern Munich and myself to want to win every title. But ok, if you want me to decide between the Bundesliga and the Champions League, I choose the Champions League. I tell you why . . .

Xinhua: Yes please . . . .

Ribery: The Bundesliga is a fantastic league but maybe you can call the Champions League a very special competition.

Xinhua: So it's time to take revenge against Atletico. After all you lost against them in the semifinal last season.

Ribery: It's not a case of it being revenge. We played well at home and deserved to win. You can't say we were very lucky in the game. But it's history. This time our group is not easy, but we have to win our games nevertheless. The game against Atletico is not a part of a special rivalry and it's not a case of rivalry with Antoine Griezmann. I know what I've done in my career. We have to win, It's all about this game."

Xinhua: Let us talk about your shape and your age.

Ribery: Oh sorry, I think it's time to go (laughing).

Xinhua: But we are amazed by your performances.

Ribery: Ok, in that case I stay.

Xinhua: Over 12 years ago, you signed your first contract as a professional. How far away is that moment at present?

Ribery: Hard to say honestly. On the one hand, it's far away, on the other things have passed so quickly. Too fast maybe. At the age of 22, I played in the French third division. I was young and the games were a real challenge for me. All of a sudden, I was playing Bayern Munich, we won national titles and the Champions League. Time is flying by. You can hardly take a breath in between. And all of a sudden you are 33 years old.

Xinhua: You appear like a young and fresh fellow.

Ribery: Thank you. But that is what I feel. I feel well and just hope I can go on without another injury. That is the most important thing.

Xinhua: Many others who play in the tough position down the flanks have retired and moved to the middle. You haven't.

Ribery: My body still shows it can cope with the stress of having to run down the flanks. But this year, I had a great pre-season preparation which was very important. I did every training session, every pre-season friendly. I'm a winger. It' s my game. I love one-on-ones and finding good solutions in tight situations is my thing. To be good at that, you need full fitness. I can go flat out for 90 minutes again. On top I just feel happy.

Xinhua: Is the impression wrong that Carlo Ancelotti is partly responsible as well as your great fitness?

Ribery: He is easy going but at the same time fully focused. He loves his players, we can feel that. He is in intense contact with us, he is laughing with us, he is asking everyday how things are. He cares a lot. Don't get me wrong, we are not children, we are players with a lot of experience and we all have a deep respect for our coach. But at this level it helps to have full confidence in your coach and to have a close relationship with him. We spend so much time together, you can't always talk about football then. It is good to be relaxed together.

Xinhua: You've experienced many world class coaches. What is so special about Carlo Ancelotti?

Ribery: He's always positive. I have not heard a of a single player that was not happy with him. To have a good team and a good coach is one thing, but to manage to develop a close relationship is another. Ancelotti is a champion in many ways. Otherwise he would not be able to create such a great atmosphere. That I think is the way to be successful together.

Xinhua: Are we wrong in our impression that your game lately has been more flexible, meaning, you did the job down the flank but every now and then showed up in the middle?

Ribery: You're right. My role has been far more flexible lately which is a great thing. Opponents don't right away know what I am up to. I either go down the flank, drop back or show up in the center. To just keep your position down the flank is not the style of football that is needed at this level.

Xinhua: Some weeks ago Carlo Ancelotti was not that nice talking about you and some of your reactions on the pitch. Carlo Ancelotti was not happy with you as you retaliated after being fouled.

Ribery: When I'm on the pitch, I'm full of energy. I'm very emotional which is not a bad thing right from the start and it is nothing negative. Maybe it is part of my character to defend myself. I have to face many one-on-ones and I get fouled quite often. Don't ask me how many times I have felt someone kicking my legs or try to attack me with all sorts of provocative behavior. That was the case right from the start as a professional player. It's my job to win these duels to give my team a chance up front.

Xinhua: Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said you get attacked in a way that makes it hard to stay cool.

Ribery: I'm very thankful for his help and assistance. I am not unfair but sometimes things get too hard for me and - to make it clear - they get unfair.

Xinhua: You don't worry about being sent off?

Ribery: I have to be careful. But as I said I' m not unfair or want to win by fouling. But it is hard for me when I get attacked. On the other hand, I forget about these situations, they are history. All the people that know me well, know that I'm an open guy with a soft heart.

Xinhua: What will be the most important thing in the game against Atletico?

Ribery: To be fully concentrated and impose our game. We act a bit more flexibly in our game with Carlo Ancelotti. Meaning, the opponents can't guess what we're going to do. I love to be one of the guys that build our game. It gives my game more variety. And I'm happy I can add my experience.

Xinhua: Arjen Robben is back as well. You and Robben together are called Robbery. Has Robben's comeback come at the right time?

Ribery: It's great to have him back. I'm extremely happy. But we are at the same age (laughing) and we know how important full fitness is. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we both can avoid any further injuries. Having all players in the squad available is very important if you want to challenge teams like Atletico. And it's important when it comes to winning the Champions League. As you know it's our goal this season.

Xinhua: The "Oktoberfest" is something very special in Bavaria and it's something special for Bayern Munich. Many of your team mates go for a visit. How about you?

Ribery: (laughing) This is a question about my age again.

Xinhua: We wouldn't dare to ask again.

Ribery: (laughing) I tell you what: I'm too old to go to the Oktoberfest. I rather go home and have a rest.

Xinhua: You talked about your big heart. We know a man at Bayern Munich who has a similar big heart - Uli Hoeness who will be back after a while away and who will most likely become Bayern Munich' s next president when he gets elected in November.

Ribery: It was a hard time for him and I'm extremely happy that he is back. As you know, we have a special relationship. I'm happy for him, his children and his wife. Uli Hoeness is Bayern Munich and we all need him back. I feel deep respect for him.

Xinhua: Talking about Carlo Ancelotti and his gentle way of doing things. How about Uli Hoeness? Will Bayern get even more family-like when Uli Hoeness is back?

Ribery: Family-like sounds like something very big and it is. But a lot of what we feel with Bayern Munich is strongly connected to Uli Hoeness. I'm happy to be part of such a special club.

Xinhua: You now might think we want to talk about your age again, but honestly we don't want to. So how about this: Your contract runs out at the end of the season. Do you intend t stay longer?

Ribery: (laughing)Ok, I try to be straight now. (laughing). I feel fit and happy at the moment. Everyone can see that on the pitch. As for the rest, we'll see. I think I can play for some more years. And of course Bayern Munich is my club. But for now let's wait and see what happens. We have goals this season and we will do everything to achieve them. Endit