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France winger Franck Ribery has ruled out a transfer to Chelsea by revealing he will definitely move to Spain if he decides to leave Bayern Munich.
Ribery's Bayern deal expires in 2011 but, if he does not commit himself to the Bundesliga outfit, there is little chance of them holding onto him for the final 12 months of his contract and then allowing him to walk away for free.
Although the 26-year-old will still listen to what Bayern have to offer him, he appears to have already made up his mind - and Iberia is the only choice.
"It is still a very difficult decision which I have to make - my future and my career are at stake," he told Germany's Sport Bild magazine.
"But no decision has been made yet. I am the one poring over things the most at the moment.
"I would have to lie if I said that there is no tendency.
"Although Chelsea is obviously a big club, if I were to decide against Bayern, then I would certainly go to Spain."
Ribery's decision will not be based purely on finances, although he has demanded a five-year contract to give him economic security, but will also factor in his desire to play with some of the world's top players and give his family the best environment to settle - which could tip the scales in Real Madrid's favour.
"I have got to consider many factors," he added. "Money is not the only issue. The difference between the clubs is no longer so big.
"The decision will therefore not be made with my bank account, but in my head.
"It has to be not only good for me, but also for my wife (Wahiba) and children.
"Wahiba is certainly a southern woman and she needs the sun.
"I am also only human and when you get an offer from such a club (as Real Madrid), then it is only right that I am allowed to consider it.
"The best players in the world play there."
Nevertheless, there is still a chance of him extending his stay with Bayern, as long as they can also offer him the security he demands.
Ribery's Bayern deal expires in 2011 but, if he does not commit himself to the Bundesliga outfit, there is little chance of them holding onto him for the final 12 months of his contract and then allowing him to walk away for free.
Although the 26-year-old will still listen to what Bayern have to offer him, he appears to have already made up his mind - and Iberia is the only choice.
"It is still a very difficult decision which I have to make - my future and my career are at stake," he told Germany's Sport Bild magazine.
"But no decision has been made yet. I am the one poring over things the most at the moment.
"I would have to lie if I said that there is no tendency.
"Although Chelsea is obviously a big club, if I were to decide against Bayern, then I would certainly go to Spain."
Ribery's decision will not be based purely on finances, although he has demanded a five-year contract to give him economic security, but will also factor in his desire to play with some of the world's top players and give his family the best environment to settle - which could tip the scales in Real Madrid's favour.
"I have got to consider many factors," he added. "Money is not the only issue. The difference between the clubs is no longer so big.
"The decision will therefore not be made with my bank account, but in my head.
"It has to be not only good for me, but also for my wife (Wahiba) and children.
"Wahiba is certainly a southern woman and she needs the sun.
"I am also only human and when you get an offer from such a club (as Real Madrid), then it is only right that I am allowed to consider it.
"The best players in the world play there."
Nevertheless, there is still a chance of him extending his stay with Bayern, as long as they can also offer him the security he demands.
