Bayern Munich will not 'automatically' sell Franck Ribery if he refuses to sign a new contract in the summer.
Rummenigge hopes to secure French ace on new contract
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists Bayern Munich will not 'automatically' sell Franck Ribery if the France ace refuses to sign a new contract in the summer.
Ribery's current deal expires in 2011 and he has put off a decision regarding his long-term future at the Allianz Arena until the end of the season.
The playmaker is wanted by a clutch of Europe's leading clubs and has been widely tipped to leave Bayern before the end of his contract.
Reports have suggested that, rather than risk losing the 26-year-old for nothing next year, Bayern will cash in on Ribery if he rejects an extension.
However, chief executive Rummenigge is adamant Bayern will decide where Ribery plays next season and it is not certain the former Marseille star will leave the club.
Bayern decide
"Our first goal is to sign a contract extension with him," Rummenigge told
Kicker magazine.
"But I will say this clearly - anyone who believes that we will sell Franck automatically at the end of the season if there is no extension is making an error.
"Bayern Munich will decide where Franck plays next season."
Rummenigge has discussed the situation with club president Uli Hoeness and says Bayern are prepared to wait until after the World Cup to make a decision.
He added: "I had a conversation with Uli on Monday and we will do what is best for Bayern.
"We want to have the best team possible for the 2010/11 season. I can't imagine we would opt for a quick-fix solution.
"That is why I have no problem at all if a decision about Franck is only made after the World Cup."
