‘Best decision I’ve made’: £9m star is very glad he left Arsenal now
After making his France debut this week, Matteo Guendouzi believes leaving Premier League giants Arsenal for Marseille was the “best decision he made in a long time.”
Mikel Arteta isn’t a sucker.
So, when Guendouzi made headlines for all the wrong reasons – and not for the first time – following a June 2020 match against Brighton and Hove Albion, the writing was on the wall for a footballer whose attitude didn’t always match his ability.
However, a couple of loan spells away from Arsenal appear to have sharpened Guendouzi’s mind.
Last season, he was a big hit at Hertha Berlin, and since returning to his native France with Marseille, the former PSG starlet appears to have matured from boy to man.
Guendouzi has progressed from a gifted young midfielder to a commanding, play-making leader at one of Europe’s most storied and anticipated football clubs.
After all, diamonds are said to be forged by pressure.
“From the first conversation I had with (coach Jorge) Sampaoli and the president (Pablo) Longoria, I knew this was the club for me,” says Guendouzi, who made his first appearance for the 2018 World Cup winners during France’s 2-0 win in Finland on Tuesday.
“I knew this club (was the right) project, and I think it’s the best decision I’ve made in a long time. I’m fully confident we’ll qualify for the Champions League next season.
Marseille currently sits fourth in Ligue 1, just one point behind second-place surprise packages Lens.
Guendouzi’s L’OM contract is said to include a £9 million option to buy.
Newcastle United, who have £50 million to spend in the January transfer window, have been tipped to hijack Marseille’s deal, but Guendouzi all but ruled out a move to St James’ Park last week.
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‘Best decision I’ve made’: £9m star is very glad he left Arsenal now
