Rabiot hits back at 'downgrade' claims after Arsenal and Man Utd snubs

Tom Weber

Updated: 18 Sept 2024 17:27 BST
3 min read

Adrien Rabiot has hit back at claims he 'downgraded' by joining Olympique de Marseille.

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The French star officially completed a surprising transfer to the South of France on Tuesday, when he was unveiled by Roberto de Zerbi's ambitious Marseille.

A former midfielder of the club's hated rivals PSG, not everyone in France was happy about Rabiot's decision. Marseille fans, however, couldn't hide their excitement at having been able to snap up a regular of their country's national team.

Though the 29-year-old missed out on the recent France squad due to his 'embarrassing situation' - being without a club for several months after leaving Juventus - Rabiot is expected to return to the national team set-up once he gets back fit and firing.

A move back to Ligue 1 was not the player's initial priority. Rabiot had originally wanted to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League, but he ultimately proved too expensive for some, while others, such as Arsenal and Man Utd, focused on different targets despite being offered the Frenchman's services.

Rabiot hits out at downgrade claims

Ultimately, Rabiot had to make 'financial sacrifices' to remain in Europe and sign for Marseille, which has led to claims that the midfielder 'downgraded' given that he could also have signed a €7 million-per-season contract at Juventus.

Speaking at his first press conference as a Marseille player, Rabiot lashed out at these assertions. “My arrival here is a downgrade? That’s not very nice for Marseille. The project here is very ambitious, and the people at the club are working well,” Rabiot insisted.

He also revealed that he likely will not feature in Marseille's derby with Lyon at the weekend. “I think I won’t have much of a presence on Sunday. I worked during the summer, but I’m not sure it’s enough. I hope to play as soon as possible.”

Read more about: Ligue 1, Premier League, Arsenal, Man Utd, Marseille, Adrien Rabiot