The former FC Metz and Olympique Marseille man claimed that his youth trainers felt his height would restrict his growth as a player, but is glad to see the French club prospering
Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery has admitted that Lille believed he was very small to make the transition from a youth player to a professional star. The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 international played with the Northern side in his early career
but was let go before he signed a contract with Boulogne.
The midfield maestro conceded that the Ligue 1 side wanted to release him even before he suffered a serious injury that ended his time with Lille. The former Les Dogues trainer stated that he was pleased to come back to the French
outfit and to feel the essence of the north.
"I am very happy to return to Lille and the smell of the north," he was quoted as saying in an interview.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-de-Marseille-c40127 winger claimed that the only issue was that he suffered an elbow injury, and as a result of that was let go. However, the midfielder suggested that the club was already trying to offload himself
because of his small size.
"There was only one problem. I had broken my elbow and that is why I was released. But before that, they wanted to release me because I was too small,” the former Galatasaray player added.
The experienced star revealed he was impressive even then but his height was a hindrance for Rudi Garcia’s team. Moreover, he never stopped working hard and is now pleased with the progress he has achieved in his playing career.
"I was good on the ball but too small for them. I am someone who never gives up on anything. I am very happy to have succeeded through other paths," the 2005 Turkish Cup winner finally concluded.
The 2008 'German Footballer of the Year' said that Lille have improved in the last few seasons, and confirmed that he was not disappointed that he could not make an impact with his youth side. Ribery further added that Les Dogues
have some good talent among their ranks.
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