Ribéry hailed as best in Germany
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
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Franck Ribéry is only the second foreign player to be voted Footballer of the Year in Germany after claiming the accolade ahead of Michael Ballack and Luca Toni.
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Telling contribution
The French international made a big impression after joining FC Bayern München from Olympique de Marseille last summer, playing a major role as the Bavarian side claimed the league and cup double. Ribéry registered eleven goals and countless assists in 28 Bundesliga games, a contribution recognised by German sports writers who made him just the second foreigner, after Ailton in 2004, to be voted Footballer of the Year. "I am very pleased," said the 25-year-old. "It is nice for a sportsman to be singled out for praise."
'Dream farewell'
Ribéry edged Ballack into second place with Bayern team-mate Toni in third following his haul of 24 goals in 31 league outings. Ottmar Hitzfeld was Coach of the Year after a successful Bayern swansong. "This is a dream farewell for me," said Hitzfeld, now in charge of Switzerland's national team. In the women's game, 1. FFC Frankfurt forward Birgit Prinz continued her monopoly as she was named the leading female for an astonishing eighth successive year.