Nayef Aguerd reveals Medhi Benatia’s role in Marseille move from West Ham | OneFootball

Nayef Aguerd (28) has quickly established himself as a key pillar in Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille defence since joining from West Ham late in the summer window. Speaking at a press cofnerence attended by Get French Football News, the Moroccan international revealed that sporting director Medhi Benatia had long been influential in shaping his decision to join OM.“He’d been talking to me about Marseille for a long time,” said Aguerd. “We couldn’t make it happen earlier, unfortunately. But he was my captain in the national team, a close friend, and always gave me advice. Talking about Marseille’s project with him was easy. I want to thank him for that.”De Zerbi also paid tribute to both Benatia and Aguerd, explaining that the former pushed strongly for the deal and that the defender has surpassed expectations since arriving.

“Benatia told me about him and I was eager to get it done,” said the Italian coach. “Once he trained with us, he was even better than what I’d seen on video. He’s integrated well, like Pavard and Emerson. He understands quickly what we ask of him – he’s already a leader.”GFFN | George Boxall – reporting from La Commanderie, Marseille.