‘I have missed France a lot’ – Benjamin Pavard on joining Marseille | OneFootball

Benjamin Pavard (28) has spoken publicly for the first time since completing a deadline-day loan move from Inter Milan to Olympique de Marseille. Speaking in a press conference on Thursday ahead of OM’s clash with Lorient on Friday night (20:45 CET), the 2018 World Cup winner said he was “seduced” by the club’s project. The following was transcribed by L’Équipe.

“When Mehdi [Benatia, Marseille’s sporting director] called me, the project immediately seduced me. When I knew of Marseille’s interest, it was clear in my head: I wanted to join this ambitious project, with the Champions League, but also to play at the Vélodrome with its passion. As a footballer, those are emotions you have to live,” Pavard said.

The versatile defender left France in 2016 after coming through at Lille, before spells with Stuttgart, Bayern Munich and Inter. For Pavard, a return to Ligue 1 was long overdue: “I have missed France a lot, and that’s why this project immediately appealed to me. I am also closer to my family. Plus, my wife is from Marseille. I am very happy to be here and I feel honoured to play for OM.”

Pavard underlined the stature of his new club, adding: “OM is a very big club. I have had the chance to win a lot of trophies at big clubs, but I also don’t forget Stuttgart and Lille, where I was born. Marseille, you can’t say no. The infrastructure is magnificent, the fans are always there. I needed emotions and to be closer to my family. Everything is in place for me to be happy here.”

The France international could make his Marseille debut against Lorient at the Vélodrome on Friday.GFFN | George Boxall