Ribery denies making Real comments

(GETTY IMAGES)

Franck Ribery has denied saying he wants to leave Bayern Munich for Real Madrid.

The France star appears to be at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war between the big-spending Spanish club and Manchester United and Chelsea this summer.

Ribery appeared to edge closer to Madrid after quotes attributed to him last week suggested that Spain was his preferred destination.

However, the 26-year-old winger has denied claiming he wants to leave Bayern.

"I feel misunderstood, I never said I desperately want a transfer to happen," he said.

"That was not my words and I don't understand the public discussion that has aroused.

"I do not want to be in disagreement with Bayern Munich. I would really like to resolve things.

"We do have to wait if there is an offer coming and then sit down and talk. I do not want to say anything wrong right now."

Meanwhile, new Bayern coach Louis van Gaal is growing increasingly frustrated with the ongoing transfer saga.

Van Gaal was quoted in Bild Am Sonntag as saying: "There are many factors that play an important role, starting with money.

"He is uncomfortable because the speculation affects him a lot. We have spoken about it.

"The rumours are not good for Franck, not good for Bayern, and not good for me."

Elsewhere, Portugal international Hugo Almeida insists he has no plans to leave Werder Bremen.

The 25-year-old, who has spent the last three seasons with Werder, had been expected to leave the Bundesliga side following the arrival of Bolivian striker Marcelo Moreno.

However, Almeida told Globoesporte: "I will only leave if it is a good offer for me and Werder Bremen.

"If it is to go to a club that only think of avoiding relegation, then I do not want to move. It would be a step back in my career.

"I do not look at it as a fight. I only think of my work and doing my best. Then, the coach decides who gets to play."