Marseille's newest signing Azzedine Ounahi has explained why he refused a move to Leeds United in the January transfer window before signing with the Ligue 1 side.
The Moroccan international was one of the hottest prospects coming out of the World Cup in Qatar last month and was of interest to numerous teams across Europe, including the Whites.
It was reported that Jesse Marsch and his staff had sent in a bid of around £25 million but Angers SCO, Ounahi's former club, accepted a bid of far less from their French rivals of just £8 million as the window came to a close.
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"We all know that many clubs were interested in me. In Italy and in England," the 22-year-old explained in quotes reported by Italian outlet Calciomercato.
"But, in the end, I chose Marseille. I made this decision because the city it reminds me of my home. I find a bit of Morocco here. The club trusted me, now I’ll have to repay them and show my qualities to the team and the fans."
The midfielder scored in the 93rd minute on his home debut with his new club after coming off the bench in a 2-0 win over strugglers Nantes, propelling his side to second in Ligue 1, just five points behind reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
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