Marseille striker Djibril Cisse has revealed he nearly quit France to return to England during the January transfer window.
Player close to return
Marseille striker Djibril Cisse has revealed he nearly quit France to return to England during the January transfer window.
Former Liverpool player Cisse attracted the attention of Manchester City and Blackburn last month.
Whilst being tempted to make a return to the Premier League after enduring a poor start to his Ligue 1 season with L'OM, the France international believes it is in his best interests to remain in Marseille ahead of this summer's Euro 2008 tournament.
Objective
"The fans booing? I have turned the page, but I won't forget. I had a lot of scores to settle," Cisse said.
"I was close to leaving but it has finally calmed down. Mainly it was Manchester City that were interested but Blackburn were also attracted.
"Above all there was an objective that made me stay in France and which is close to my heart. If I want to play in Euro 2008 it was better for me to stay at L'OM.
"Moreover I didn't want to leave Marseille as a failure. Physically I feel much better, I have almost never felt so well, even during my time at Auxerre. I am not far off being my best."
Possibility
Cisse, however, has not ruled out a return to England in the future.
"I will probably move back to the Premier League, because of football and part of my family lives there and I also because I like the way of life. If I have to leave OM it will be for England," he said.
