Franck Ribery chose Fiorentina because “football is my life and I am still hungry to play. This club has a lot of ambition and we want a top five or top three finish.”

The 36-year-old signed the two-season contract, turning down more lucrative deals in Russia or UAE to join the Viola.

“I want to thank my agents and the club directors. We talked a lot and reached an agreement that made me very happy,” the World Cup winner said in a Press conference.

Fiorentina director of sport Daniele Pradè revealed it was Luca Toni who suggested Franck Ribery. “I told him it was impossible, don’t be silly!”

The anecdote was given at the start of Ribery’s presentation Press conference, having signed a two-year contract after 12 years at Bayern Munich.

It was during that period that the Frenchman was teammates with former Viola striker Toni.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp claims he has not seen a player like Philippe Coutinho since Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero.

Coutinho began his European career at Inter but made his name with Klopp’s Liverpool, prior to joining Barcelona for big money in January 2018.

The Brazil attacker has since moved on to Bayern Munich, who have brought him in on a season-long loan with an option to buy. 

“He’s a very dominant player who can help shape a team,” the Coach told Kicker.

Fiorentina consultant Joe Barone said Franck Ribery “was offered a lot of money elsewhere, but chose” the Viola for the city and project.

The former Bayern Munich hero was a free agent and signed a two-year contract this afternoon.

“He is training, is very eager and today is a very important moment for Fiorentina,” Barone told Sky Sport Italia.

Franck Ribery feels “blessed and happy to sign a new contract at a great club in a great city” after joining Fiorentina.

The France international spent 12 years at Bayern Munich and was a free agent when his contract expired in June.

He flew in this morning and signed the two-year deal with Rocco Commisso’s club.

“Hello Fiorentina,” wrote Ribery on social media.

“A new chapter for me and my family is beginning. Blessed and happy to sign a new contract at a great club in a great city.

Fiorentina are reportedly only missing Franck Ribery’s signature on a two-year contract.

According to Bild, negotiations were finalised yesterday and all that is left is for Ribery to undergo a medical, sign his contract and be announced as a Fiorentina player.

The newspaper adds he rejected offers from Saudi Arabia and Russia, where he could have earned money.

Reports are growing that Franck Ribery has accepted a move to Fiorentina and he hinted as much on social media.

The 36-year-old France international is a free agent after his contract with Bayern Munich expired, ending a 12-year stay at the Allianz Arena.

Das Bild claimed this evening that Ribery had turned down Al Nasr and opted to join Fiorentina instead.

Sky Sport Italia insist the negotiations are continuing, but on the right track, with details including his personal physiotherapist, then a two-year contract worth €4m per season.

Reports from Germany suggest Franck Ribery has given the all-clear to join Fiorentina as a free agent.

Das Bild are stating this evening that Ribery made his decision and turned down more lucrative transfers to Dynamo Moscow, Spartak Moscow or clubs in the UAE.

The 36-year-old’s contract with Bayern Munich expired after 12 years in Germany, where he won the Champions League and nine Bundesliga titles.

Lazio are reportedly winning the race to sign Chievo attacker Emanuel Vignato, while his brother Samuele could be Bayern Munich-bound.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Lazio are in talks with Chievo and Emanuel’s camp and a deal could be agreed in a matter of days.

The 18-year-old broke through last season, scoring one goal and providing one assist in 10 appearances for the relegated Flying Donkeys.

Although partly of Brazilian extract, Emanuel represents Italy at youth level and is primarily a No 10, although he can play on either wing.

Fiorentina director Daniele Pradè warns “Cristiano Biraghi wants Inter, but there are issues to be sorted out. Franck Ribery is considering his options.”

The Viola fought back from a goal down to beat Monza 3-1 in the Coppa Italia Third Round this evening, but Biraghi was on the bench amid reports of an imminent move to San Siro.