We saw it coming

Marseille have signed France winger Franck Ribery from Bayern Munich.

The 24-year-old, who had previously linked with Arsenal, has signed a four-year deal with Bayern. The fee is reported to be £17million, which would make him the most expensive player in Bayern's history.

"We are very proud to have recruited two world-class players in Luca Toni and Franck Ribery after a difficult year for Bayern," said a delighted Uli Hoeness, Bayern's general manager.

Personal information
Date of birth: 07-04-1983 (age 24)
Place of birth: Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
Height: 1.73 m
Playing position: Attacking midfielder, Winger

Club information
Senior clubs
Years Club App (Gls)
2001-2002...US Boulogne...24 (5)
2002-2003...Olympique Alès...18 (1)
2003-2004...Stade Brestois 29...35 (3)
2004-2005...FC Metz...20 (2)
2005...Galatasaray...14 (0)
2005-2007...Olympique Marseille...60 (11)

National team
2006-...France...16 (2)

- touted by the media as the successor to Zinédine Zidane.
- face suffered severe scarring as a child when he was in a serious car accident.
- a convert to Islam.
- Galatasaray fans were impressed with the young Frenchman's skills, and quickly gave him the nickname, "FerraRibery".
- Winner of Turkish Football Cup in 2005 playing for Galatasaray.
- Winner of UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2005 playing for Olympique Marseille.
- French League Young Player of the Year in 2006 playing for Marseille.