Nayef Aguerd returned to West Ham United after spending last season on loan at Real Sociedad.
The Morocco international was reintegrated to the squad and started three matches for West Ham this season. On summer deadline day, Aguerd left West Ham and completed a permanent move to Marseille.
Earlier this month, Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia explained Roberto De Zerbi made the specific request to sign the player from West Ham.
L’Equipe have had a chat with the centre-back to discuss a few topics, including his arrival from the Premier League club.
The 29-year-old played alongside Benatia for his national team. The newspaper asked about his role in the transfer.
“He’d been talking to me about Marseille for a long time, but unfortunately it didn’t happen quickly, only on the last day of the transfer window,” he said.
“He was our captain on the national team, a close friend on the international team, and we were in constant contact after his career ended, so it was easy to talk to me about the Marseille project.”
Agured has enjoyed an impressive start to his life at the French club even though he has played only five matches. He has explained multiple factors that has helped him settle in quickly at Marseille.
“It’s the coach who has his ideas; there are many experienced players, not just me or Ben [Pavard],” Agured explained.
“There’s Leo [Balerdi] and Medina too, and CJ [Egan-Riley] has experience abroad as well. It’s a question of adaptation, of taking more time to work. But it’s easy to play with players who love the ball, who don’t hide.”
The Moroccan previously had spells at West Ham, Stade Rennais, Dijon FCO and FUS Rabat. He insists the experience with Marseille is different and is thrilled to have joined them.
“It’s different from what I’ve experienced elsewhere, except maybe at Real Sociedad, where they were also a possession-based team. It was great for me, to showcase my qualities,” he added.
“The coach is always coming up with new ideas; he’s passionate about football. It allows me to showcase my qualities because I like playing in a dominant team.”
