Ribery gives Bayern something to smile about with fresh deal

The France international has ended speculation about his future at the Allianz Arena by penning a new deal which commits him to the Bundesliga champions until June 30, 2015.

"We are very pleased that one of the best players in the world has agreed to a contract extension. This is also a sign of the great objectives of FC Bayern in the coming years," said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

The news will come as a boost to fans of the Bavarian side who saw their team suffer a 2-0 defeat against Inter Milan in the final of the Champions League on Saturday night.

Ribery missed the game at the Bernabeu after his sending-off in the semi-final first leg against Lyon, while the loss denied Louis van Gaal's side a famous treble of European Cup, Bundesliga and German Cup.

The 27-year-old put pen to paper on the new deal prior to Saturday night's defeat.

Ribery's former deal was due to expire next year and the Bayern board was eager to tie him down to a longer contract in an effort to ward off clubs interested in signing him this summer at a knockdown price.

That has now been achieved thanks to what is reportedly the most lucrative contract ever tabled by the club, and Ribery revealed he is delighted to continue the association.

"I am very happy to have decided to stay," said Ribery, who joined the club from Marseille in a e25m deal in 2007.

"My family and I are very happy to be staying in Munich. This club has become a big family for me."

Ribery was reportedly close to leaving Bavaria 12 months ago at the end of a disappointing season in which the club only just managed to qualify for the Champions League.