Bayern Munich legend, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says that the club’s decision to keep hold of Franck Ribery back in 2008 has proven to be a great decision. Ribery is considered as one of the finest attacking players in the world.

He came very close to winning the ultimate accolade for a footballer – FIFA Ballon d’Or award – this season. He was beaten only by Cristiano Ronaldo on the virtue of scoring more goals over the calendar year. Ribery, however, has been more influential on the pitch, as he has helped his team win three major titles last season – including the Champions League.

Ribery was brought to the club from French giants Marseille for around £ 25 million, but it is understood that Bayern Munich rejected several offers from England and Spain for the midfielder in 2008. Chelsea and Real Madrid are thought to be those clubs. After suffering for a long period in terms of European titles, Bayern Munich have made it to two finals in the last three years. They have won last season’s tournament, while the Germans are also the favourite for this season’s trophy as well. They are close to securing a quarter-final berth after a 2-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg.

Rummenigge says that Ribery has become an invaluable player for the club during the last six years.

“I believe a very important point in our history came in 2008. We received big offers from England and Spain for the transfer of Franck Ribery to big clubs and we decided not to accept. That was very important. I believe because from that point onwards all clubs in Europe understood that Bayern Munich was not a selling club. It’s a buying club and that’s it,” said Rummenigge. After losing out in the domestic league to Borussia Dortmund twice, Bayern Munich have started dominating Bundesliga as well in recent years.