Franck Ribery considers switching national allegiance to Germany

Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery revealed his ambitions to become a German citizen after expressing a desire to remain in the country following his playing career with the defending Bundesliga champions.

The former France international indicated the decision would be based on his family's future, without giving any real consideration to playing for the country on the international stage.

"Why not? I can imagine staying in Munich after the end of my career," Ribery told German publication Bild when asked if he wanted to apply for citizenship.

"I have bought a very nice house, I feel good here and I like the mentality."

The 2008 German Player of the Year winner is one of the few foreign players in the Bundesliga that's able to speak with reporters in the native language following matches, but says his grasp of the language could still use some work.

"My eldest daughter Hiziya always makes fun of my German, and I laugh with her," he said.

"I did not learn the language in school, but in my daily life, from other people."

Ribery, who's played for Bayern since 2007, retired from international play following the 2014 FIFA World Cup when he was ruled out of the tournament through injury.

Citizens from other European countries are required to live in the country for eight years, speak the language fluently and must pass a naturalisation test in order to obtain German citizenship.

- With translation from Agence France-Presse