Florian Thauvin dismisses Marseille exit speculation

Olympique de Marseille midfielder, Florian Thauvin has said that he is staying at the Stade De Velodrome beyond the summer.

He dismissed speculation linking him away from the club during an Instagram live conversation with French comedian and actor Malik Bentalha.

Before joining Newcastle United FC three years ago, Thauvin had scored 59 goals and 33 assists. However, since his return to the club, his game time has been hampered with an ankle injury. He had to go through keyhole surgery, which has made him to only feature for the club twice this campaign.

The French winger’s contract with Les Phocéens runs out in 2021. Although his talent is unquestionable despite being on the treatment table recently. Maybe that has been the reason for the speculation. But the 27-year old has said he is not moving an inch.

Speaking on the speculation, Thauvin noted that the debate about him leaving his closed acknowledging that he had seen many rumours daily.

Wondering why he would want to leave Marseille, the Frenchman said the club means a lot to him having missed a whole season of football action. Thauvin wants to repay Marseille for the faith they have in him.

Marseille is currently behind the runaway Ligue one champions Paris Saint-Germain on the log. COVID-19 pandemic has led to an enforced break in games.

There is, however, a six-point gap between Marseille and Stade Rennais FC that is occupying the third spot. The club aims to secure a return to the UEFA Champions League since the 2013/14 season.

He also wondered why he would leave the club that is en route of qualification for the European club top competition that he has been fighting for over the years and noted that he is also returning from a long layoff.

Christophe Dugarry, a former Marseille forward, also shared his sentiment. According to the world cup winner, Thauvin will be eyeing the UEFA European Championship postponed till 2021, and he would want to play in a comfortable environment, which is his present club.

The Frenchman who was part of the 1998 world cup winning squad stated this while speaking with  French-Monégasque radio network RMC.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed