Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has explained how Marseille chief Pablo Longoria impressed him during their negotiations about a move.
The Ivorian joined the French side on loan from Manchester United at the end of August, with it made clear he was not a part of Erik ten Hag’s plans at Old Trafford.
The arrival of Lisandro Martinez, plus Raphael Varane’s return to fitness had already pushed the defender down the pecking order, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof also competing for places.
He faced the prospect of being fifth choice so instead secured a departure, joining Marseille on loan for the remainder of the season.
It seems there was also another factor in convincing the Manchester United man, though, and that was Longoria’s inside knowledge of him.
“I only knew him as the president of OM, not as a person,” he told La Provence, relayed by Le 10 Sport.
“When he called, he told me about my time at Villarreal, about all the things I did there.
“He told me secrets that I didn’t expect. I said to myself: I don’t know him, but how does he know all this?
“Then he explained that he was close friends with my former coach Marcelino. The conversation was smooth and easy. It made me want to come even more.”
