Bennacer Opens Up About Marseille Transfer from AC Milan

Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer has shed light on his recent move from AC Milan to Olympique Marseille, revealing it was his personal choice to join the French club. The 27-year-old confirmed that Milan had wanted to retain him, but he was keen on a new challenge.

“I’ve always been a fan of Marseille, and this is an exciting opportunity for me,” Bennacer stated during his introductory press conference. “We had initial discussions last summer, but nothing materialized then. I made it clear to my agent that Marseille was my preferred destination.”

Bennacer explained that talks with Marseille had begun while he was recovering from injury last summer. However, then-Milan coach Paulo Fonseca’s desire to keep him at San Siro prevented the transfer from going through at that time.

The midfielder also expressed enthusiasm about working under new Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi. “De Zerbi has discussed how he plans to utilize me in the team,” Bennacer said. “I’ve long admired his coaching style, so I’m thrilled to now play under his guidance.”

Bennacer joins Marseille after six and a half years in Italy, where he established himself as a key player for AC Milan. His move comes as Marseille aim to challenge Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance in Ligue 1, with the team currently sitting second in the table.