Franck Ribéry, free since the end of his two-year contract at Fiorentina, will extend his playing career a little further, at 38, at Salernitana, a club promoted this season in Serie A, several Italian media said on Sunday.
This announcement has yet to be formalized but the expected arrival of the former French star from Bayern Munich is already raising passions in Salerno, a city south of Naples, with in particular the appearance of (unofficial) jerseys flocked to his name.
"FR7" will arrive Monday on the spot to pass his medical examination and "then he will sign a contract which will bind him for one year to the garnet club, with an option of extension in the event of maintenance", writes Sunday the Corriere dello Sport.
From the amount of salary (1.5 million euros for the season) to housing, everything would be ready to welcome Ribéry.
"There is an agreement in principle, we are awaiting ratification", underlines Angelo Fabiani, sports director of the club, quoted by the Roman sports daily.
“With his experience, he will be able to be useful for the growth of Salerno, he will be able to guide the group and help the coach.
Having someone like him always encourages giving the best, ”adds the manager.
Not retained by the "Fio"
Franck Ribéry had not been retained at Fiorentina at the end of his contract on June 30, despite his desire to continue in Tuscany.
He has since continued to train, especially at Bayern Munich facilities, and awaited proposals.
If the signing is confirmed, Ribéry will have for main mission to contribute to the maintenance in Serie A of Salernitana, which plays the third season of its history in the elite, the first since the 1998-99 financial year.
Second in Serie B last season, the promoted started with two defeats against Bologna (2-3) and AS Roma (0-4).
Without waiting for the arrival of the former French international (81 caps, 16 goals), jerseys flocked with the star's name appeared in town, the club regretted in a statement.
On its site, the Salernitana specified that it was not behind the production of these jerseys "insofar as the player does not belong to the club". The club affirms "to reserve the right to initiate legal proceedings in order to protect its image (...), recalling that only the Salernitana outlets are authorized to sell official products".