Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has admitted once again that he was seriously tempted to move to Marseille this summer when they came calling.
The Chelsea centre-back has been speaking to Téléfoot, relayed by Foot Mercato, about how tempted he was to join the French side in the summer transfer window.
Marseille were one of the busier sides in the last window as they completely reshaped the squad for new manager Roberto de Zerbi.
€87m was spent on new arrivals as 13 new players, including the free transfer of Adrien Rabiot, were added to the squad for the Italian coach.
Fofana was one of those they targeted but couldn’t convince of the move, with the defender having already admitted to conversations with those in charge.
His place in Chelsea’s plans were in doubt heading into this season as the signings of Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga added two more centre-backs to a squad that already has Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile as competition for the Frenchman.
He ultimately rejected the approach, though, preferring to stay at Stamford Bridge. That decision has worked out as he’s been a regular in the Premier League so far, making eight appearances and featuring in 85% of the minutes.
He’s more than happy with life at the Blues but is happy to admit he was sorely tempted by the offer Marseille made to him.
“I had a call that really touched me, and it would be a lie to say that I didn’t calculate it,” he said.
“It was Medhi Benatia, sporting director of OM, and it touched me. Everyone knows why… I had a thought, but the goal, at the moment, is to succeed at Chelsea.
“We had a call from Mr. Benatia. It’s sure that it went “boom, boom” in my heart. Because I was coming back from injury, and I didn’t know if I was going to be part of the club’s project.
“But I had a discussion with the coach, and he told me that he was counting on me this season. So, I said I was very happy, I was 100% with Chelsea. But after that, it’s sure that there is OM in a part of my heart, we’ll see…”
