The Bayern Munich star was ruled out with a back injury despite being initially included in Les Bleus' 23-man squad, with Remy Cabella called up to replace him
Franck Ribery has described his disappointment at missing the upcoming World Cup as 'soul-destroying', after the France star was ruled out with a back injury on Friday.
The Bayern Munich winger had been struggling with the problem in recent weeks but was named in the final 23-man squad by coach Didier Deschamps before the June 2 deadline. However, further tests confirmed a worsening of the injury and made it impossible for the 31-year-old to continue playing.
'An MRI at Rambouillet hospital only confirmed my inability to train and play normally,' he told the French Football Federation's official website.
'Given these circumstances and despite the care provided by the medical staff, which I sincerely thank them for, my withdrawal was inevitable.
'I now leave my team-mates with a heavy heart, but I know they will do the maximum for the blue shirt and go as far as possible in the competition.'
Ribery, who was placed third behind winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the 2013 Ballon d'Or, is Les Bleus' most experienced player with 81 caps and was integral to the team's gameplan at the tournament in Brazil.
The majority of Goal Singapore readers agree that Ribery will be a big miss, with 80.8% indicating that he is one of France's best players. Only a minority 19.2% feel that Ribery's absence will not be felt too keenly, as he had not been in the best of form.
Montpellier starlet Remy Cabella has been called up as Ribery's replacement, with uncapped Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin also included after Clement Grenier was forced out with injury as well.
Real Sociedad's exciting young attacker Antoine Griezmann is expected to take over Ribery's place, with France set to play Jamaica in their final tune-up game on Monday morning, 3a.m Singapore time.
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