On Tuesday, we covered an article from FootMercato in France claiming that Steve Mandanda had already partly agreed a return to Marseille for next summer, with Crystal Palace the only obstacle standing in the goalkeeper’s way.
The French website claimed the Ligue 1 side had agreed a three-year deal with the France number two, with an extra optional year included, as well as a potential staff role when the goalkeeper decided to hang up his boots/gloves/both.
While FootMercato have grown in reputation over the past few years, with a lot of their information proving to be relatively accurate, the Crystal Palace shot stopper caught wind of this particular bit of news, and wasn’t exactly pleased about it.
Taking to his official Facebook page, the 31-year-old clarified the situation, and pledged his allegiance to the Eagles in the process.
He wrote: “As you know, I rarely talk to the media, but I must admit I was surprised by what I read on FootMercato yesterday, who revealed that an agreement had been reached between myself and Olympique de Marseille for a return this summer.
“I’m astonished to see that FootMercato know more about my future than I do. As I said a few weeks ago, despite my attachment to Marseille, there has been, as of yet, no contact between us.
“What matters to me today is my present, and it is at Crystal Palace. I’m focused on my club and avoiding relegation from the Premier League. My only worry are the efforts my teammates and I need to give to reach our goals”.
Having now returned from a knee injury suffered in November, Mandanda is yet to play under Sam Allardyce, having conceded 17 goals in nine league games prior to his time on the sidelines.
