“I didn’t expect that”: Adrien Rabiot arrived in Marseille, to the cheers of OM fans

On the tarmac of the airport at Marseille-Provence Airport in Marignane (Bouches-du-Rhône), the vast majority of Marseille supporters took out their phones to immortalize an improbable moment: Adrien Rabiot had arrived. The former PSG player, who spent seven seasons as a professional in the capital, chose the Phocaean city as his base, having reached the end of his contract with Juventus since the end of June. As soon as he arrived, Rabiot took the time to sign jerseys in a festive atmosphere, marked by the use of smoke bombs.

“At first, my arrival seemed unlikely”

“I didn’t expect this. It warms my heart. I see that all the people present, happy… It makes you want to play and win,” the former Parisian confided to BFM Marseille Provence. Before adding: “At first, my arrival seemed improbable, but I spoke with Mehdi (Benatia), I joined the project. I know the fervor of the stadium, we will have to go and find the Champions League again.”

During the summer, the “Duke”, as he is nicknamed, had contacts with Saudi stables – Al-Nassr offered him 55 million euros over two years – and less exotic – West Ham -, without things going any further. Even if the player is asking for around 8 million euros net per year, the financial aspect is not a central element according to a person close to the case, the sporting project presented also having a weight in the balance. Adrien Rabiot will receive emoluments higher than those of Jordan Veretout, who earned around 500,000 euros gross per month. The club and the player have each made significant efforts.

In 2016, the 29-year-old French international midfielder gave an interview to the Marseille daily La Provence, before the Coupe de France final between PSG and Marseille. “Wearing this (OM) jersey one day? It’s not possible,” he replied. Adding: “Going to play in Marseille, it’s inconceivable.” Eight years later, Rabiot will take the plunge.