Luis Henrique on Marseille exit: ‘De Zerbi helped me grow a lot’ | OneFootball

Speaking to Corriere della Sera, former Olympique de Marseille winger Luis Henrique (23) has praised Roberto De Zerbi’s role in his progression, following a €25m transfer to Inter Milan this summer.

The 23-year-old Brazilian, who initially joined OM in September 2020, described his arrival in France as a whirlwind moment. “Everything happened very fast. The football, the language – everything was new to me,” he said. “I went back to Brazil for a year [on loan to Botafogo], but when I returned, I found my place. Overcoming those difficulties was a life lesson.”

Henrique returned to Marseille in January 2024 with more experience and confidence, which he credits as pivotal to his breakthrough 2024/25 season under De Zerbi. The winger scored nine goals and registered two assists in 35 appearances across all competitions last season.

“De Zerbi gave me total support, and that helped me progress a lot. He told me to keep applying everything I’d learned and, above all, to enjoy playing football,” added Henrique.

The attacker is now part of Inter Milan’s squad competing at the FIFA Club World Cup. He has featured in both group games – a 1-1 draw with Monterrey and a win over Urawa Red Diamonds. Inter face River Plate in the early hours of Thursday (3am CET), with a place in the last 16 on the line.GFFN | George Boxall