Matteo Guendouzi believes leaving Premier League giants Arsenal for Marseille was the “best choice I have made in a long time”, speaking to Telefoot after making his France debut this week.
Mikel Arteta doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
So when Guendouzi hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons – and not for the first time – in the aftermath of a June 2020 clash with Brighton and Hove Albion, the writing was on the wall for a footballer whose attitude didn’t always match his ability.
A couple of loan spells away from Arsenal appear to have focused Guendouzi’s mind, however.
He was a big hit at Hertha Berlin last season and, since returning to his native France with Marseille, the one-time PSG starlet appears to have blossomed from boy to man.
Guendouzi has gone from a highly talented young midfielder into a chest-thumping, play-making leader at one of Europe’s most historic and expectant football clubs.
They do say diamonds are forged by pressure after all.
Marseille the ‘club for me’, says Arsenal loanee Guendouzi
“From the first conversation I had with (coach Jorge) Sampaoli and the president (Pablo) Longoria, I knew this was the club for me,” says Guendouzi, who made his first appearance for the 2018 World Cup winners during France’s 2-0 win in Finland on Tuesday.
“I knew this club (was the right) project, and I think it’s the best decision I’ve made in a long time. I’m fully confident we’ll qualify for the Champions League next season,” Guendouzi said.
Marseille are fourth in Ligue 1 as things stand but just one point off second-place surprise packages Lens.
Guendouzi is understood to have a £9 million option-to-buy clause in his L’OM contract.
A Newcastle United side with £50 million to spend in the January transfer window have been tipped to hijack Marseille’s deal but, speaking last week, Guendouzi all but ruled out a switch to St James’ Park.
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