Van Bommel gave the interview in the build-up to tomorrow night's Champions League clash between the two teams, but he claimed his broken Spanish was misinterpreted.

According to Bayern's press officer Markus Horwick, Van Bommel has since called the reporter to set the record straight.

"Van Bommel tried to give an interview in Spanish, but what he meant to say is not what was interpreted," explained Horwick today.

"He was asked if he thought Ribery was good enough to play for Barcelona and he said that he felt he was.

"I would ask that all the online reports in the Spanish media claiming the contrary be removed.

"Mark has asked me explicitly to raise this issue."

Ribery is contracted to Bayern until 2011 but has been increasingly linked with a move away from the German club and, in particular, to Barca after he appeared resigned and distraught after last week's 4-0 first-leg defeat in Spain.

He was consoled by Barca striker Thierry Henry and covered his mouth as he spoke to his compatriot, shielding his words from the media.

But Van Bommel is "looking forward to continuing playing alongside Franck next season", according to Horwick.

The reports being disputed by Bayern included quotes from Van Bommel that apparently talked up the Frenchman as a target for Barca.

"Franck has told me that he wants to play at Barcelona," said Van Bommel, who spent one season at the Nou Camp in 2005/06 before switching to Bayern.

"He is a very important player for us and the best in Germany. His style of play fits perfectly with that of Barcelona, because he has a lot of skill and a lot of strength.

"Moreover, I think it would be good for Barca if they bought him, I'm sure he would adapt very well," added Van Bommel on radio station RAC-1.