Thursday, 28th November, 2013
Marseille midfield starlet Giannelli Imbula admits that he had serious interest from Chelsea this summer, but concluded a Stade Velodrome stint would be the best step in his career development.
The 21-year-old was snapped up by Marseille this summer, following a hugely impressive season in Ligue 2 with Guingamp, helping the club win promotion.
Imbula's waves reached far beyond French shores though, with talk of Atletico Madrid and Chelsea coming calling to pip Marseille to the France Under-21 international.
And Imbula admits that with Chelsea there was concrete interest and the chance to move to Stamford Bridge. But for the sake of his career he refused.
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"Yes, there were developed contacts with the Blues", Imbula told Marseille's official site.
"But I did not see myself going there. Then, to do what? Honestly, it seemed premature.
"At this stage of my career, OM seemed to be the best club for me."
Imbula has clocked up ten appearances for Marseille so far this season, finding the back of the net on one occasion.
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