The alleged catalyst behind André Villas-Boas’ decision to resign from his job at Marseille, the signing of Olivier Ntcham from Celtic remains in the news to this day.
That’s because the Celtic owned midfielder, who is in the south of France until the end of the season, at which point the Ligue 1 side can sign him for €6m, held a press conference alongside their director of football, Pablo Longoria.
Presented to the media following his arrival from Neil Lennon’s side, the former France U21 international was very unsurprisingly asked about what he thought of Villas-Boas’ exit and his unwitting role within the situation.
He said, relayed by La Provence: “Villas-Boas’ words really surprised me. I find it a bit funny. Villas-Boas was aware [of the transfer]. His agent wanted to work with me. I’m very happy to come to Marseille. I wouldn’t have refused this for the world. I’m calm and positive.”
Yet to make an appearance due to administrative hurdles that have now been overcome, the Celtic loanee is expected to be part of the group for the upcoming game against Auxerre in the French Cup, but doesn’t think he’ll last the full 90 minutes.
Prior to his move from Parkhead, the player hadn’t been a regular under Lennon, playing just a handful of minutes in the Scottish Premiership since December.
He’ll need time to get back to full fitness, and that’s what this game against a Ligue 2 side will help him do ahead of a perhaps more important game against Bordeaux on Sunday.
