Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has been named as France's Player of the Year for 2013.
Ribery has been in sparkling form for club and country this year, helping France to the 2014 World Cup and playing a crucial part in Bayern's historic treble-winning season.
The 30-year-old has been named as one of the three finalists for this year's FIFA Ballon d'Or award - alongside previous winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo - and he admits that he was not surprised at being named his country's best player.
"Modesty aside, I think it's normal. I had a great season, 2013 was a huge year for me. I deserve the award for my performances with Bayern and France. I'm at my peak and in the form of my life," Ribery told reporters.
Ribery previously won the award in 2007 and 2008, and now has his sights set on catching Thierry Henry, who won it five times in a storied career.
"Now I have to beat his record," Ribery added.
Ribery scored twice for Bayern in their last outing as they thrashed Werder Bremen 7-0 to remain unbeaten in the league this season.
Barney Corkhill
