Rummenigge: Ribery and van Gaal to stay as cornerstones

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is convinced that French winger Franck Ribery and Dutch coach Louis van Gaal will stay beyond the season as key figures at the German football giants, DPA reported.

Rummenigge told Wednesday's edition of the Bild daily that he expects Ribery to fulfill his contract until 2011 or possibly even renew it despite big interest from Europe's elite including Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea.

"It is still our aim to renew the contract. But even if we don't achieve that it doesn't mean that we will sell Franck in summer," Rummenigge told Bild.

Ribery can leave Munich on a free transfer in 2011, which means that Munich could only get a large transfer fee of around 50 million euros (68 million dollars) for him after the current season.

But Rummenigge said that Ribery is a key factor im Munich's attempt to assemble "a team next year which reaches its domestic goals and further rises internationally.

"We have the aim not to be humble in the future when we travel to Barcelona but with a certain chance of being equal. Franck is necessary for that."

Rummenigge was referring to a 4-0 Champions League beating in Barcelona last season. They could meet again in this year's final in Madrid as both are in the semi-finals.

Munich also tops the Bundesliga and is in the German cup final in a quest for a title treble.

The Dutchman van Gaal suggested recently that he may quit after just one season if Bayern get the treble, but Rummenigge insisted that statement was a joke and that van Gaal has an important role in the future as well.

"I think he is very satisfied and aware of the club's value. And we are very satisfied with him," said Rummenigge.