Bayern Munich and France winger Franck Ribery has revealed that he still has some work to do before he returns to full fitness.
The 31-year-old was forced to sit out the World Cup because of a troublesome back problem he picked up in training shortly before the tournament.
However, the forward is hoping he will be back to his best by the time the new season starts, even though he is still not in peak condition.
"I'm fine, really good," he told Kicker.
"I just need a little time to prepare my body for the new season. Everything is good."
Ribery's compatriots were eliminated from the World Cup by Germany at the quarter-final stage but Ribery believes there is no shame in losing to Joachim Low's side.
"It's a shame France are out," he added. "It was a very tight match. But Germany also have a great team."
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