13,000 Tifosi gave “Roi Franck” Ribéry an inspiring reception: The fans of Serie A climber US Salernitana - many of them dressed in shirts with the likeness of the former Bayern Munich star - flocked to the Arechi Stadium on Monday afternoon to see their new figurehead to welcome.
The 38-year-old had recently landed in a private plane in Salerno, 55 kilometers south of Naples. "I felt an incredible passion, that's why I'm here," said Ribéry, who wants to lead his teammates so that the team can be successful. “I'm here to fight with my team-mates to stay in the top league. That is the main goal this season. I'm fit! I can still achieve a lot and have fun. Serie A is tough. I know her well after two years at Fiorentina, but I'm confident, "said the French world star.
Life in southern Italy is sweetened for the former Bundesliga professional with a luxury villa with a sea view and an annual salary of 1.5 million euros.
After two months without a club after separating from the Fiorentina, Ribéry has found a new home in the province.
"Ribéry like an alien"
His age is no problem at all for the new ace of the newcomer: "Like Ibrahimovic, I want to make my contribution to AC Milan and support the young team-mates."
"Like Maradona in Naples: Ribéry is celebrated like a hero in Salerno," wrote the Gazzetta dello Sport.
"The new king of southern Italy: Enthusiastic Tifosi celebrate the new prima donna of the Serie A climber," commented Tuttosport.
"Like an alien, Ribéry takes Salernitana on his shoulders to lead the club to new heights," said the Corriere dello Sport.
Ribéry, who does not want to give up his football boots yet, owes the new contract and the special conditions to his advisor Davide Lippi, son of the 2006 world champion coach, Marcello Lippi.
A luxury villa on the Amalfi Coast with a breathtaking view of the sea and the excellent gastronomy with fish specialties should have made Ribéry's decision to move to the Riviera of the Campania region easier.
Ribéry follows in the footsteps of the Italian goalkeeper icon Gianluigi Buffon, who at the age of 43 decided to move to Serie B club Parma Calcio in order to continue his career. “At 38, Ribéry is still very strong. His arrival is a dream for Salernitana, he will give his team a lot of energy, ”said Buffon of the transfer of the former French international.