Mathieu Valbuena is looking to secure a move away from Marseille after talking with Didier Deschamps.
Midfielder looking for summer exit
Mathieu Valbuena is looking to secure a summer switch away from Marseille after talking with Didier Deschamps.
The midfielder has been informed by the club's new coach that he will not play a prominent part in his plans for the 2009/10 campaign.
The 24-year-old had been a key figure during Eric Gerets' time at Stade Velodrome, but accepts the time has come for him to move on.
"Deschamps told me he knows I have played on the flanks in the past, but he feels I don't fit into his tactical approach. He believes I cannot operate as a winger," Valbuena told
L'Equipe.
"I have been told I could play a few minutes towards the end of matches, but I want to leave.
"I have received his message. I understand my future is not at Marseille anymore. I wanted to stay here, but that cannot happen.
"I am very disappointed, considering everything I have experienced here with the fans. They will understand me.
"I won't stay in these conditions. It hurts and I will be leaving against my will."
Valbuena's agent has also confirmed that his client is poised to be on the move over the summer.
Opinion
"Mathieu is a player that needs to be motivated to give his best," said Christophe Hutteau.
"The arrival of Didier Deschamps has changed everything.
"So far the Marseille officials have always been happy with Mathieu and have always rejected the approaches of other teams.
"It seems as though other great European coaches do not have the same opinion as Deschamps."
While a departure in the coming weeks would appear inevitable, Marseille president Pape Diouf claims no player will be sold against the wishes of the club's board.
"Until the situation changes, the club decides who stays and who goes," he said.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Valbuena's fellow midfielder Lorik Cana could also be heading for the exits in the not-too-distant future.
"I am aware of the situation. I am here at the moment and I have two weeks in which to decide what to do," the Albania international told
skysports.com.
