Valbuena awaits Ribery reunion

28 March 2012 14:45

Marseille's Mathieu Valbuena has promised Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery a special reception when the teams meet on Wednesday.

Valbuena played with Ribery for one season at Marseille before the latter's 25 million-euro switch to Bayern in 2007.

They will come face-to-face in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, and Valbuena anticipates a memorable occasion for Ribery at the Stade Velodrome.

"It will be a special return for him because he has spent many happy years in Marseille and you never forget your time here," the 27-year-old told the club's official website.

"We will have to make it a great match for his return."

While Valbuena is aware of the danger posed by his fellow Frenchman, he also warned his team-mates against ignoring the threat posed by Bayern's other stars.

"I am not surprised at his (Ribery's) enormous growth, or what he is currently doing at Bayern," he mused.

"He will be one player among many others to watch."

Marseille, who have lost seven of their last eight games in all competitions, will be without suspended duo Steve Mandanda and Souleymane Diawara for Wednesday's clash with Bayern.