Ribéry ripe for Galatasaray
Tuesday, February 1, 2005
Article summary
Franck Ribéry is the second Frenchman to arrive in Turkey in 24 hours after joining Galatasaray SK from FC Metz.
Article body
Short stay
The 21-year-old Ribéry had only been with the Ligue 1 club since August, having moved to Metz from third division side Stade Brestois 29. Ribéry, a French Under-21 international, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal and although the fee has not been disclosed by Gatalasaray, reports in France suggest Metz will receive a minimum of €1.5m for the player.
'Leading league'
Ribéry's compatriot Nicolas Anelka joined Galatasarary's Istanbul rivals Fenerbahçe SK yesterday and Ribery said: "This shows that Turkish League is one of the leading leagues in Europe." He is the second major arrival of the transfer window at Galatasaray following the loan transfer of Hakan Yakin from VfB Stuttgart.
Creative force
Ribéry, who has played for France's Under-21s, had scored two goals for Metz this season but moreover provided eight assists in his 20 appearances. He was previously with AC Arlésien in 2002/03 and Boulogne USCO in 2001/02.
