Fulham confirm Marlet wants to leave

The French international revealed on Saturday that he wanted to leave Fulham and after denying his wish to leave earlier in the week the club have now admitted he is keen to quit the West London.

Marseille are favourites to sign the former Lyon ace and Fulham have expressed their disappointment at the player's decsion

"On Thursday 21 August Chris Coleman and the directors of Fulham FC were delighted to be in a position to announce that Steve Marlet had told the manger that he was happy to remain a Fulham player; regardless of the media speculation that had gathered momentum during his international appearance for France against Switzerland on Wednesday," read a Fulham statement.

"Subsequent to the statements made by Marlet himself to the manager on Thursday, Steve has today (Saturday) declared his desire to leave Fulham FC much to the surprise of Chris Coleman, given the nature of previous conversations, and is discussing future prospects with other clubs.

"French First Division Club Marseille has expressed an interest in a loan deal with the player which had been discussed by both clubs prior to the recent speculation. Marlet is now insisting that due to personal reasons he would rather not remain a Fulham player and is expressing his desire to leave Fulham Football Club to join Marseille.

"It is a great disappointment that Steve has made this choice and the Chairman and Director's remain perplexed as to what the player's motivations are behind his conclusion. The chairman and other board members called Steve personally to ensure him that he was wanted at the club, and Chris Coleman himself went on record backing the player's ability and his future at Fulham. It is with great regret that we make this announcement."

Coleman has voiced his unhappiness at Marlet's change of mind and insists he only wants players who are committed to the side.

"I am more than unhappy with Steve's decision especially as he had told me that he was staying. However, this is football and it is simply what happens, so I will not take it personally or become too disheartened by its outcome," Coleman told the club's official website.

"I have a great squad of committed players and would rather know that every one of them plays for the club, rather than to have someone who plays for me that doesn't want to be here.'