France international goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has expressed his desire to play out the rest of his career at Marseilles.
The World Cup winner was forced out of Manchester United at the beginning of the season with the arrival of American Tim Howard who has been a revelation at Old Trafford.
Marseilles took the eccentric shot stopper on loan and rejuvenated his career, prompting his pledge to the club where he started his career and won a Champions League medal in 1993.
“At first, when I knew I could come back here I was excited and motivated,’ said Barthez.
“I had just appeared in a small film here and the memories returned. I remembered all the people I would return to, the mood, the stadium.
“I arrived in Marseilles at the age of 20 and was discovered here.”
The Frenchman went on to reveal his surprise at being frozen out at Manchester United and his wish to stay at the Stade Velodrome for good.
“When I was at Monaco, I thought I would spend my whole career there,’ he said.
‘Then I left for Manchester, and there too I thought I would stay a long time.
“This time, I say I would like to terminate my career at l’OM.
“I like this region and this club. Only in this town can you see such a stadium with so many passionate and enthusiastic fans.”
