Humphreys departs Victoria Park

Humphreys departs Victoria Park

Published May. 21, 2013 9:16 a.m. ET

French winger Franck Ribery has reiterated his desire to stay at Bayern Munich until the end of his career.

Ribery, who has been at the Bavarian side for six years, has spoken of his admiration for the club and his desire to be remembered as a great.

Speaking to L'Equipe, Ribery said: "Bayern is an engine. It is really something huge. I am really proud to be part of that club. I am very happy here, just like my family."

Having clinched the title in record-breaking style, the Bundesliga champions go into the Champions League final at Wembley as hot favourites against rivals Borussia Dortmund.

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With Ribery expected to be an integral part of the side, his desire to stay at the Allianz Arena has never been stronger.

He added: "Bayern is an amazing club with wonderful people, who respect you for what you are. I really want to terminate my career here (and) would like to leave as a great player."

The 30-year-old is a long-standing target of Martin Jol, who has attempted to bring in the Dnipro midfielder on several occasions before.

Boateng's transfer had to be put on ice previously due to contract disputes with his Ukrainian club, but a deal is now close to being pushed through.

The former Getafe, Cologne and Beitar Jerusalem man will reportedly pen a two-year deal at Craven Cottage.

Boateng is one of the unnamed players manager Jol revealed he had agreed a deal with at last week's pre-Swansea press conference.

The Dutchman confirmed he had also agreed a deal with one of Wolves' Bakary Sako, Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta or Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

Fulham have already completed a deal for right-back Sascha Riether, who will join the west Londoners permanently after a successful loan spell.

The 35-year-old midfielder will end his 12-year spell at Victoria Park after Pools decided not to take up the option of a further year on his contract.

Humphreys, signed by Chris Turner in 2001, made a total of 542 appearances, scoring 37 goals, for Pools and won the club's player of the year award three times.

Fans' favourite Humphreys, who began his career as a striker at hometown club Sheffield Wednesday, overtook Watty Moore's appearance record for Pools when he made his 473rd outing in a win at Exeter in February 2011.

During the club's centenary season in 2008 he was named Player of the Century in a supporters' poll and completed a successful testimonial season in 2010/11.

Humphreys, who began his playing career at Hillsborough in 1996 and made three appearances for England Under-21s, completed his UEFA A Licence coaching qualification last month.

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