Bundesliga | Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman: "Franck Ribery has been a big brother to me"
Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman: "Franck Ribery has been a big brother to me"
Kingsley Coman has paid tribute to Bayern Munich teammate Franck Ribery calling the Bundesliga record champions' iconic Frenchman "a big brother".
Now in his 12th year at Bayern, Ribery has become a legend of the German club. Last season, he broke Hasan Salihamidzic's club record for appearances by a foreign-born player in both the Bundesliga and all competitions.
He has built a treasure trove of trophies that includes eight Bundesliga titles, five DFB Cups and the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League.
But the 35-year-old's status as a superstar did not prevent him taking fellow Frenchman Coman under his wing when the youngster — 13 years Ribery's junior and billed as his successor — arrived at the club in 2015.
"He has been like a big brother. He has given me a lot of advice," Coman told media at the French national team's training camp.
"We were competing with each other for a place in the team, but he has always advised me, always been happy for me, always helped and encouraged me, and that's not always the case when you are in competition with another player.
"In that regard and in everyday life, he's really helped me. I owe him a huge amount of respect."