Bayern Munich attacker Franck Ribery has confirmed that he sees his future with either Barcelona or Real Madrid, rather than Chelsea.
The French international, who has a year left on his current deal at the Allianz Arena, is wanted by some of the biggest clubs in the world in a transfer saga that has run for over a year, but despite Chelsea's long term interest, the 27-year-old admits that the quality of players at the Nou Camp in particular are a major attraction.
"Lionel Messi, without hesitation! I'd love to play with him and Xavi," Ribery said according to FIFA's official website when asked which player he would most like to play with.
"Someone who knows how to organize and conduct the game of his team and has an exceptional quality of passes. Currently, he is in stunning condition.
"Obviously, there are many clubs that make me dream, like Real Madrid or Barcelona."
Ribery's failure to mention the English club will be taken as something of a snub, although he did have some encouraging words for the country's hopes at this summer's World Cup.
"I expect us to be very efficient because it is a competition that really counts for us," Ribery said of France's hopes, despite a troubled qualification process that saw Les Bleus needing to beat Ireland in extra-time of a play-off to book their place in South Africa.
"Our first objective will be to qualify from the group stage. There will be time then to think of the final. I hope it is France that will lift the trophy in July.
"We have very good players and I truly believe that we have the means to go after.
"Obviously, other teams also have the necessary talent. The English and the Spaniards seem to me particularly strong."
The French international, who has a year left on his current deal at the Allianz Arena, is wanted by some of the biggest clubs in the world in a transfer saga that has run for over a year, but despite Chelsea's long term interest, the 27-year-old admits that the quality of players at the Nou Camp in particular are a major attraction.
"Lionel Messi, without hesitation! I'd love to play with him and Xavi," Ribery said according to FIFA's official website when asked which player he would most like to play with.
"Someone who knows how to organize and conduct the game of his team and has an exceptional quality of passes. Currently, he is in stunning condition.
"Obviously, there are many clubs that make me dream, like Real Madrid or Barcelona."
Ribery's failure to mention the English club will be taken as something of a snub, although he did have some encouraging words for the country's hopes at this summer's World Cup.
"I expect us to be very efficient because it is a competition that really counts for us," Ribery said of France's hopes, despite a troubled qualification process that saw Les Bleus needing to beat Ireland in extra-time of a play-off to book their place in South Africa.
"Our first objective will be to qualify from the group stage. There will be time then to think of the final. I hope it is France that will lift the trophy in July.
"We have very good players and I truly believe that we have the means to go after.
"Obviously, other teams also have the necessary talent. The English and the Spaniards seem to me particularly strong."
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