Franck Ribery is happy with life at Salernitana.

Former Fiorentina star Ribery is about to begin his second season in Salerno after last season's incredible survival.

“I've found great affection here. Everyone lives for football," he said.

“When we don't win, I see the sadness in the fans' eyes and this makes me so sad. I've never accepted defeats. Last season, I understood that it was hard to gain survival, but I gave everything to make it.

“It's not like winning a trophy, but that feat will forever remain in my heart."

Ribery also insists he deserved the 2013 Ballon d'Or when with Bayern Munich.

“It was unfair, it was an incredible season for me and I should have won it. They extended the time for votes, and something strange happened. I felt that it was a political choice," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.