While it might seem like a year and a half since Florian Thauvin last wore a Newcastle shirt (it has), the French winger is still technically part of the club until the end of the season.
With Marseille triggering the buy-out clause three games into the season, the 24-year-old will transfer back to his former club in July, and that will officially be the end of his St James’ Park adventure.
Having his best season by far, Thauvin has scored 15 goals and picked up 10 assists in 40 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, earning him plenty of praise and awards along the way, as well as a call up to the France squad during the last international break.
The Newcastle loanee took part in a Q&A session on Marseille’s Facebook page, and was inevitably asked about his time in England, relayed by Boursorama.
What he takes from it? “My time at Newcastle was a difficult time for me. It wasn’t easy. I was far from everything and everyone. And, England, it’s a different football, a different culture. The food isn’t even good, we eat so well in France.
“However, that experience made me grow, as a man and as a footballer. I gained experience. I looked at myself, and returning to Marseille was a choice made with my heart.”
During his time in the north of England, Thauvin scored one goal and picked up two assists (all coming against Northampton Town in the EFL Cup) in 16 appearances.
