Sheffield United: Bayern Munich veteran Franck Ribery speaks out for first time since bizarre Blades link

(Photo credit should read CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images)

Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery has publicly discussed his plans for the upcoming season, following last week’s report from Germany linking him with a sensational move to Sheffield United.

While the Blades’ new Premier League status certainly means they could attract a higher calibre of player, eyebrows were raised by fans and pundits alike when German outlet Kicker claimed Ribery could make a summer switch to Bramall Lane.

Speaking to French outlet L’Equipe, the 36-year-old gave an insight into his next career move, as he prepares to leave Bayern Munich after a highly successful 12 seasons spent in Bavaria. He said: “I’m still hungry and I think I can still give things.

“As long as I think that I have a high level in my head and legs, I’ll go for it. I’ll never cheat. I can still play for a big club. I want to play for two more seasons.”

By the sounds of things Ribery is intent on joining another elite club on a similar level to Die Roten, with the allure of European cup competitions still clearly a big factor in determining his next move.

Discussing whether he’d be looking for one last hefty payday, perhaps with a big money move to China or the USA, the 2012/13 Champions League winner claimed: “I’ll have money everywhere, but I want the challenge.

“I think I can still handle a great challenge. When I arrived, Bayern were sitting at 14th place in the Bundesliga and weren’t in the Champions League. Twelve years later, I left with 23 titles.”

While Ribery is perhaps beyond United’s reach, they are believed to be working hard on securing new signings for the 2019/20 season, with a striker and an attacking midfielder among the players Chris Wilder is looking to recruit.