The on-loan Marseille man reveals other clubs notably Valencia and Fenerbahce were also keeping tabs on the midfielder
The summer long transfer saga finally reached its logical conclusion last night as Olympique de Marseille finally attained the talented midfielder’s signature to the club. The deadline day deal could only be completed after Stephane M’bia’s deal was finalized
between QPR and Marseille.
While speaking to L’Equipe, the controversial midfielder who turns 30 tomorrow was blunt enough, as he said, “Did I have other contacts? Yes, I talked to Fenerbahce and Valencia. But I did not hesitate long when Marseille came, it was a good challenge for
me.”
The reason behind his move is his faith in Marseille as despite being financially constrained and poor run in matches, the player still believes that Marseille is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. And the player hopes to achieve a lot with the French giants
as he said,
“I come to Marseille to win trophies. I do not come for holidays or as a tourist. It is a challenge for me not only on professional level but also personally, discovering a new culture. ”
Barton just recently shrugged off the impression that he might not be able to adjust in France. Barton explained that it was his passion to play which keeps him going and enables him to pursuit new challenges. He also compared Marseille to Liverpool, where
he spent all his life when he was young.
It will however, provide the experienced 29-year-old to pursuit a new football career after having seen himself embroiled in controversies one after another. Barton is currently facing a 12-match ban which will keep him to the sidelines atleast for the first
half of the season.
This however, was the reason behind the delay in the move from Loftus Road for the Englishman as such a huge suspension levied on the player was going to put the club already in financial turmoil, in further chaos.
However, the heroics of the extremely talented player prevailed on Marseille’s hierarchy as well as the player’s desire to part ways with QPR. Mark Hughes also had a long standoff with the player and subsequently the deal was put to effect, keeping in view
the interests of all concerned parties.
Tags: