Fiorentina's Ribery hints he could leave Italy after thieves ransack home

Fiorentina star Franck Ribery raised doubts over his future in Italy after thieves stole jewelry and other expensive items from his house Sunday.

Ribery's home was ransacked while he was playing a game against Parma, which Fiorentina won 2-1. The 37-year-old was forced off after reinjuring the same ankle that required surgery in December.

"When I returned from the victory over Parma, I went home," Ribery wrote on Twitter, as translated by Football Italia. "This 'home' in Italy, a country where I decided to continue my career after so many beautiful years in Munich. This is what I discovered ... So yes, my wife lost some bags, some jewelry, but Alhamdulillah none of it was essential.

"What shocks me is this feeling of having my pants down," he continued. "I'm not having any of it! Thank God my wife and children were safe in Munich, but how can we trust (our surroundings) today? How can I? Do we feel good here today after what happened? I don't need to chase millions, we have everything we need, thank God, but I always chase the ball because it's my passion.

"Passion or not, however, my family comes first and we'll make the necessary decisions for our well-being."

Ribery spent 12 years with Bayern Munich before joining Fiorentina on a free transfer last summer.

Several high-profile Serie A players have had their possessions stolen in recent years. Just last month, AC Milan winger Samu Castillejo was robbed at gunpoint in Milan, and Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante was confronted by thieves while getting into his car at the Stadio Olimpico.

Ribery, who was sidelined for nearly six months, spent several weeks rehabbing in Germany during the coronavirus lockdown. He's started in all four of Fiorentina's matches since the season resumed in June and scored a spectacular goal in the 2-1 defeat to Lazio.

Ribery has a contract with La Viola until June 2021.