EURO 2008 INFO

Franck Ribery has a plan if France wins the European Championship. He wants to keep the trophy. "I won't do a lap of honor, I will take it home with me," the 25-year-old winger joked Friday.

Ribery goes into Euro 2008 after an impressive first season with Bayern Munich that saw him score 18 goals and help the Bavarian club win a league and cup double.

As the team celebrated on the field after each success, Ribery jumped off the winners' podium, grabbed the trophy and sped off with it toward the celebrating fans.

He'll be ready for a repeat performance if France wins the June 7-29 tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

"I hope things will continue like this, to keep winning," Ribery said at France's training camp. "I hope to win the Euro with the French team. If we manage to, then it will have been a very big season for me."

Ribery, who has 25 caps, has risen to prominence quickly over the past two years, breaking into the national team just before the World Cup and then impressing in Germany in his first season since leaving Marseille.

His rise is even more impressive considering he was playing in the French third division with Brest in 2004.

Ribery entered the 2006 World Cup as a rookie after a surprise callup from coach Raymond Domenech, but this time around he will be one of the players who defenders will watch the most.

For what he's gained in experience, Ribery has lost in the element of surprise - so there is more pressure to perform.

"I am not afraid," Ribery said. "On the contrary. I know people are expecting a lot from me."

Domenech expects him to provide chances for a French attack including Thierry Henry, Karim Benzema and Nicolas Anelka.

Ribery is happy to be one of Domenech's leaders on the field.

"I feel he trusts me, and that helps a lot," Domenech said. "He speaks to me more. When you see that the coach is coming over to talk to you, it gives you more confidence, and a lot of strength."

Ribery's impact at Bayern may even change Domenech's plans - possibly at the expense of Chelsea's Florent Malouda.

Malouda has been Domenech's preferred choice on the left wing for the past two years, with Ribery on the right.

But Ribery prefers a freer role, cutting in from the left and darting all over the field.

"I feel more at ease, for my bursts," Ribery said. "I don't feel as good on the right. I have spoken about it with the coach, and he can see it clearly with Bayern that I am better when I am in a free role than when I am on the right."

With his repeated sprints, Ribery wears out defenders - but also tires himself out.

"I always play at 100 percent," Ribery said. "I have never learned to be calculating. I always have to give everything. That's my temperament."