New Olympique de Marseille midfielder Ismaël Bennacer was officially introduced to the media and enthusiastic supporters at the club’s training grounds, Robert-Louis-Dreyfus, yesterday afternoon. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as Algerian flags waved, celebrating Bennacer’s arrival. A lifelong Marseille fan, who grew up in nearby Arles, Bennacer had already experienced a passionate welcome at Marseille airport the previous day upon his arrival to finalize a loan move with a purchase option in the final moments of the winter transfer window.
During the press conference, former Marseille striker and current club advisor Fabrizio Ravanelli praised the Algerian international. “His strong mentality allowed him to succeed at AC Milan, which is a very demanding environment,” Ravanelli stated, as reported by La Provence. “He is known for his physical and assertive style of play, effectively winning back possession and distributing the ball well. I have great confidence in his abilities.“
“Yesterday was incredibly emotional, almost overwhelming,” shared a smiling Bennacer, the club’s new number 22. “The passion of the fans truly inspires me to achieve great things here.”
“I have supported OM since childhood, and no other club ever mattered to me. Playing for Marseille has always been a dream of mine, constantly in my thoughts,” he emphasized. Therefore, when Marseille expressed interest in him again this winter, it was an easy decision for the midfielder. “I was determined to join OM and no other club. It was my absolute priority.”