GLASGOW -- Bayern Munich's longest-serving player Franck Ribery has told kicker about his "special relationship" with coach Jupp Heynckes.
Ribery, 34, signed for €25 million from Marseilles in 2007 and has collected seven Bundesliga titles, five DFB cups, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time at the club. He can also boast a European Footballer of the Year award in 2013, the same year he lifted the Champions League under Heynckes' tutelage at Wembley.
"Ours is a special relationship, a trusting one not it's sincere. He was the reason why I was so good in 2013," Ribery said.
Moreover, Ribery could hardly conceal his delight at Heynckes's return to the club for a fourth spell in charge.
"When we met again for the first time at Sabener St [Bayern HQ] we fell into each other's arms.
"I'm very happy that he is back. He knows what I can do. He gives the players self-confidence and talks up our strengths.
"He's breathed new life into the team and created a great spirit."
This season, Ribery has failed to score nor provided an assist in six Bundesliga appearances, and not lasted a game over the full 90 minutes.
Ribery twisted his knee at Hertha Berlin at the start of the month, and faces several months on the sidelines with a torn ligament.
However, Bayern's longest-serving player is confident he is making good progress and will undergo an X-ray to see if he can take off the splint on Monday.
"I'm very pleased. I am working hard with a lot of weight training and stability exercises. It's looking good."
Ribery will turn 35 in April and his current deal expires next summer: "If possible I want to end my career at Bayern," he said.