Xavi backs Ribery move

Barca talisman would love to play alongside Frenchman

Last updated: 11th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Xavi backs Ribery move

Xavi: Fancies playing alongside Ribery

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Xavi says it would be a pleasure to play alongside Franck Ribery as Real Madrid's cooling of their interest in the Frenchman appears to open the door for an approach from Barcelona.

The Bayern Munich midfielder has been the subject of intense speculation all summer with Real, Manchester United, Chelsea and most recently Liverpool mooted as admirers.

Ribery has in the past stated a preference for a move to the Bernabeu but with Madrid having been put off by Bayern's valuation, Barca have been tipped to come through the back door for his signature.

Xavi, at the hub of a Barca side that claimed an unprecedented treble last season, admits he would welcome his side's bid for a player who would likely command a fee in the region of £40-50million.

"It would be a privilege to play with him," he told El Mundo Deportivo.

"I'm not the one who has to decide, but if you have to make an effort to get Ribery, I would."

Xavi has also encouraged his paymaster to move for Valencia striker David Villa, another player who has attracted interest from rivals Real.

"David is a good guy, good friend, worker, humble - he has a total Barca profile. He's a complete striker and I have a great affinity with him."