Franck Ribery has ruled out the possibility of joining Chelsea this summer, saying it will be a straight choice between Barcelona and Real Madrid if he leaves Bayern Munich.
Ribery is out of contract at the end of next season and, if he fails to agree an extension, it looks certain he will be sold this summer rather than being allowed to leave on a free transfer.
Chelsea are thought to have an interest in Ribery, but the France star has now said the weather would prohibit a move to England.
"If I decide not to accept Bayern's offer of an extension then I'll certainly be going to Spain," he told Sport Bild.
"I can assure you there has been no decision yet. I myself am brooding about this the most. Money is not the only issue. The difference between the clubs is no longer so big. The decision will therefore not be made with my bank account, but in my head.
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't leaning in one direction, but I have to take a lot of factors into consideration - not only what is good for me but also for my wife and children.
"My wife is from the south. She needs sun. There are many things to keep in mind. I think about my family. Here, it rains and it snows. [My wife] is often alone when I am not there. She doesn't have many friends, but that doesn't mean we don't feel happy in Munich."
It has long been speculated that Ribery has already agreed a move to Madrid, but he has suggested that Barca are currently the better side.
"Real and Barcelona are, perhaps alongside Manchester United and Chelsea, above all other clubs. I am also only human. If you have an offer from such a club you should be allowed to consider it. It's where the world's best players play," he said.
"Barcelona have built a team for the long-term. Everyone in the world knows how they play. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have invested in superstars, but something is missing.
"Right now, I am pondering what is the most attractive option. Madrid have prestige despite failing in the last-16 of the Champions League for the last six seasons."
Meanwhile, Bayern winger Arjen Robben has denied reports he advised Ribery to choose Barcelona over Madrid if he decides to leave.
Robben, who moved to Bayern from Madrid in the summer, told Radio Marca: "I never said that. He has the quality to play for both teams, but what I prefer is for him to stay at Munich. Hopefully he will continue with us. I love playing alongside him."
Ribery is out of contract at the end of next season and, if he fails to agree an extension, it looks certain he will be sold this summer rather than being allowed to leave on a free transfer.
Chelsea are thought to have an interest in Ribery, but the France star has now said the weather would prohibit a move to England.
"If I decide not to accept Bayern's offer of an extension then I'll certainly be going to Spain," he told Sport Bild.
"I can assure you there has been no decision yet. I myself am brooding about this the most. Money is not the only issue. The difference between the clubs is no longer so big. The decision will therefore not be made with my bank account, but in my head.
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't leaning in one direction, but I have to take a lot of factors into consideration - not only what is good for me but also for my wife and children.
"My wife is from the south. She needs sun. There are many things to keep in mind. I think about my family. Here, it rains and it snows. [My wife] is often alone when I am not there. She doesn't have many friends, but that doesn't mean we don't feel happy in Munich."
It has long been speculated that Ribery has already agreed a move to Madrid, but he has suggested that Barca are currently the better side.
"Real and Barcelona are, perhaps alongside Manchester United and Chelsea, above all other clubs. I am also only human. If you have an offer from such a club you should be allowed to consider it. It's where the world's best players play," he said.
"Barcelona have built a team for the long-term. Everyone in the world knows how they play. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have invested in superstars, but something is missing.
"Right now, I am pondering what is the most attractive option. Madrid have prestige despite failing in the last-16 of the Champions League for the last six seasons."
Meanwhile, Bayern winger Arjen Robben has denied reports he advised Ribery to choose Barcelona over Madrid if he decides to leave.
Robben, who moved to Bayern from Madrid in the summer, told Radio Marca: "I never said that. He has the quality to play for both teams, but what I prefer is for him to stay at Munich. Hopefully he will continue with us. I love playing alongside him."
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