Influential Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena has declared himself fit to face Manchester United.
Player comments on transfer speculation
Influential Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena has declared himself fit to face Manchester United in UEFA Champions League action on Wednesday.
Valbuena suffered a serious knee strain in January, a set-back that the club feared would see the player miss the two-legged encounter with the Premier League leaders.
However, it appears the 26-year-old has made a quicker than anticipated recovery, handing the Ligue 1 side a timely boost ahead of the crunch tie and the French title run-in.
The France international signalled his intent to feature in the first-leg clash at the Stade Velodrome, sending a clear message to manager Didier Deschamps.
"I am operational and I am at the coach's disposal," Valbuena told
L'Equipe.
"It is up to him to call me or not. He knows I did everything to be back and I am happy.
"I am not pinning all my hopes on that match. There will be a lot of other matches later, but my knee is strong."
Speculation
The attacking midfielder has found himself linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, a prospect the player admits is motivating.
"Hearing one of the greatest clubs in the world is interested in you, it is a recognition that makes me really pleased and gives me desire to show much more," Valbuena added.
"But at the moment I am with Marseille and we are a long way from the transfer window. I am only thinking about our [Champions League] encounter."
