Ribery doubtful whether Bayern can keep him

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PARIS (AP) -- Franck Ribery doubts whether Bayern Munich is good enough to compete with Europe's biggest teams and this may prompt him to leave the German club at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old Ribery has been heavily linked with a move away to either England or Spain.

Ribery is worried that Bayern is falling behind and may not be able to challenge for European honors.

"Bayern is still a big club. It's one of the biggest in the world but I find that our team is not as strong as other teams, like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester united, Chelsea," Ribery said Monday on RTL radio. "Maybe we will have trouble competing against these teams."

Ribery is expected to announce whether he will stay at Bayern before the end of the season.

"I want to win trophies and to enjoy myself. I'm not 20 any more," Ribery said. "I am closer to the end (of my career) than the beginning."

Ribery admits he could be tempted to join up with France teammate Thierry Henry at Barcelona.

"I get on really well with him. I know he would also like to see me there," Ribery said. "I know a lot of people would like to see me stay (at Bayern). Whether I stay or go it won't be an easy decision."

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