Ribery no-show a misunderstanding: agent

The agent of France winger Franck Ribery, seen here in action on 05 July 2006, quashed fears that his client had walked out on Marseille after the player failed to turn up for a pre-season friendly.

France winger Franck Ribery's agent quashed fears that his client had walked out on Marseille after the player failed to turn up for a pre-season friendly.

Ribery has been the subject of transfer interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Lyon.

And when he failed to show up for Marseille's friendly against Toulouse, fears mounted that Ribery had walked out on the Mediterranean giants.

But Bruno Heiderscheid insisted his absence was merely a misunderstanding.

"There is perhaps a misunderstanding over the term weekend, whether that's Saturday or Sunday," he said.

"I assure you, he will respect his contract with his club and will not do anything wrong."

A statement from the Marseille management said they were not worried about Ribery's no-show.

"His return was expected this weekend, that could be Sunday or even as late as Monday morning.

"If he was not here Monday, we would start to ask questions."

The talented 23-year-old is currently contracted to Marseille until 2010 after signing a contract extension in March but was quoted as saying in June that he favored a move to Lyon.