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Les Bleus' Franck Ribery To Star In Finals Says Arsenal's Henry About Spurs, Man Utd, Arsenal & Lyon Target

Submitted by Scott Harkness on Thu, 01/06/2006 - 17:48.

France and Marseille winger Franck Ribery is set to be one of the biggest stars of this summer's World Cup Finals according to fellow Les Bleus and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

Ribery will be featuring in France's World Cup squad alongside Henry after controversially being named in the squad at the expense of Barcelona winger, Ludovic Guily.

Henry said of Ribery's inclusion: "He carries the expectations of a nation. I think he has the talent to do it.

“He is our trump card."

Ribery is reportedly set for an exit from Marseille, with interest from French champions Lyon, as well as several Premiership clubs.

Both Manchester United and Arsenal have been alerted after it emerged that Ribery could be ready to leave the Championnat club according to Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas.

There is also major interest from Tottenham Hotspur boss Martin Jol, who is also reported to be keeping an eye on his progress, with a view to signing the winger.

Last week, Marseille boss Jean Fernandez resigned in the role of manager of l'Oheme for personal reasons, and it seems that Ribery now wants a move, either to the Premiership, or a domestic move.

"I think that Fernandez's departure hurt him," said Aulas.

“Pape Diouf, [the Marseille president] already said that he would not leave.

“I don't know yet whether he will join Lyon but I don't think he will stay with Marseille."

Ribery's agent Bruno Heiderscheid, has raised speculation that a move away from Lyon is inevitable for Ribery with talk of unrest:

"A while back Franck said he wanted to play for Lyon.

"Then he declared he wanted to play for an English club. Today, we have a slight concern with the Marseille president, but Franck won't say anything. We want peace.

"I brought Franck Ribery on a plate to Marseille for free, but now I feel I'm not getting the same respect returned.

"This situation has nothing to do with money or wages. It is mutual respect that we're seeking."