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Ribery: I have struggled for France
Posted Thursday, April 19, 2012 by Goal.com

Ribery: I have struggled for France

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has admitted that he has not shown his true colours for France.

Les Bleus coach Laurent Blanc said earlier in the week that Ribery has not been able to perform to the best of his abilities for his country since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Ribery was suspended from international duty for three matches after the tournament, and came under heavy criticism for his part in the rebellious squad.

"Blanc is right, I am struggling," he told reporters. "Every time that I come to France, it is very hard for me.

"I am trying to give 100 per cent, but little by little I will rediscover my pleasure with the French team."

Ribery then said that he was very pleased with the 2-1 victory against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.

"It was a good match for everyone, even for the fans," Ribery said. "We know that Madrid are a great side.

"It is a shame that we conceded that goal in the second half, but then we pushed to score our second.

"They will want to attack in Madrid, so we must take advantage of the counterattacking situations that we will have."

The return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu is scheduled for April 25.

Standings
    Rank Team W/D/L Pts

    Cities & Stadiums

    The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments

    Year Winners Runner-up Third place
    2008SpainGermanyRussia / Turkey
    2004GreecePortugalNetherlands / Czech Republic
    2000FranceItalyNetherlands / Portugal
    1996GermanyCzech RepublicFrance / England
    1992DenmarkGermanyNetherlands / Sweden
    1988NetherlandsSoviet UnionItaly / West Germany
    1984FranceSpainDenmark / Portugal
    1980West GermanyBelgiumCzechoslovakia
    1976CzechoslovakiaWest GermanyNetherlands
    1972West GermanySoviet UnionBelgium
    1968ItalyYugoslaviaEngland
    1964SpainSoviet UnionHungary
    1960Soviet UnionYugoslaviaCzechoslovakia