Joey Barton Delighted to Make Marseille Debut

Friday, 21st September, 2012

Joey Barton has expressed his pride at having made his debut for Marseille in the Europa League last night.

The English midfielder is on a season-long loan at the Stade Velodrome from Premier League side QPR but, due to a ban which has followed him from England, is unable to play in Ligue 1 until 18th November at the earliest. The ban however does not apply to European competition.

relatedNewsStory Barton started Marseille’s match away to Fenerbahce, a game they drew 2-2, and played until the 71st minute, when he was replaced by Jordan Ayew.

It was a good introduction to life in coach Elie Baup’s team and two late goals for Marseille, which earned the side a draw after being 2-0 down, gave the evening an even more positive gloss.

For Barton, only the win could have made the whole experience better.

"I am very proud that I have been able to make my debut for Marseille", the midfielder told his club’s official website.

"This is really a very good team, a real group playing together. The team has ambition and play great football.

"It was a tough game against a very good team in a stadium where the atmosphere was really fantastic. The mood of the squad is impressive and we managed to come away with a draw."

Barton must now go back to kicking his heels until Marseille’s next Europa League match, which takes place 4th October against Cypriot outfit AEL Limassol.