Turkey winger Cengiz Ünder is thrilled to have made the switch from AS Roma to Olympique de Marseille and is looking forward to helping coach Jorge Sampaoli to take the club back to the upper reaches of Ligue 1 Uber Eats and Europe.
Ünder, 24, is looking forward to being a part of the new cycle that's beginning on the Mediterranean coast - the Turkey international winger (32 caps, nine goals) is one of eight signings at the southern giants so far this transfer window - the after falling out of frame in the Italian capital.
'Obvious choice'
"I spent two good seasons at Roma until the change of coach. After that, I had some difficulties," explained Ünder, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Leicester in the EPL. "The choice of Marseille was obvious after I spoke with the president and the coach on the phone. I really felt a desire to work together. That's why I came to Marseille, I'm very happy and I hope to have a very good season."
Marseille's movers and shakers clearly did a good job of convincing Ünder of the club's strong points, and the young star is keen to be a part of the club's return to the upper reaches of the game both in France and Europe.
'Contribute to the evolution'
"I knew Marseille from the fervour of its fans, since I was a kid but also when I started my soccer career. The second thing is that Marseille are the only French team that has won a European Cup," he said. "It's a pretty well-known team, which deserves to play in the Champions League every year, so I hope to contribute to the evolution of the club and to its recognition on a worldwide scale."
None of which would matter all that much if there were a mismatch in terms of playing style out on the pitch, but the winger feels there is a place for him in coach Jorge Sampaoli's attack-minded plans.
'Find my place in the team'
"The coach's instructions suit me. Of course, I'm a player who plays on the right, but I like to drop back, get the ball and go along the line. I am primarily an attacker, but I like to participate in the construction of the game from the midfield," explained the young talent, who figured as OM drew 1-1 in a friendly against Portuguese giants Benfica on Sunday. "I already feel comfortable in this set-up and I hope, in ten days or so, to find my place in the team."
Marseille kick off their Ligue 1 Uber Eats campaign with a Mediterranean derby away to Montpellier on Sunday 8 August.
>> TRANSFERS: All the summer moves
