Bayern defend Ribery from Beckenbauer attack

Bayern Munich have defended winger Franck Ribery following an attack by German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, who claimed that the Frenchman was not committed to the club.

Club president Beckenbauer was quoted in the German press on Sunday claiming Ribery "doesn't give a damn" about Bayern and only joined them to make a name for himself.

Beckenbauer was also quoted as suggesting Ribery was aware of FIFA's Article 17, which allows a player under the age of 28 to walk away from a club after three years of his contract, when he signed his four-year deal with Bayern in 2007.

Spanish giants Real Madrid have been interested in signing the 26-year-old, who has made it clear that he would prefer to leave the German club this summer.

But a statement from the Bayern board read: "Our player Franck Ribery has always behaved professionally, correctly and seriously.

"Bayern have at no time had and do not have the impression from Franck Ribery that he would only use Bayern in order to further his own career. He has always given himself and his abilities to the service of the team.

"Franck Ribery has never commented on the possibility of making use of FIFA Article 17."

The statement ended: "We would, though, be very happy if Franz Beckenbauer, in his role as a member of the FIFA Executive, would take care that Article 17, which greatly burdens the whole of professional football, be abolished and therefore more contract stability for all clubs worldwide is provided."