Deschamps commits to Marseille

Marseille coach Didier Deschamps has ended speculation over his future by signing a two-year extension that ties him to the club until 2014.

Deschamps was reportedly close to walking away from the former French champions after strong interest from Chelsea in England and Roma in Italy.

He had one final year left on his contract following the 2010/11 campaign, which saw OM finish runners-up to champions Lille.

But the in-demand coach has not only agreed to stay on at Marseille for the upcoming season, but also for another two beyond that, following assurances from club bosses that he would be given the financial muscle to put together another championship-winning team.

“I have decided to continue my adventure with Olympique Marseille and to stay on for the long haul by extending my contract for two years,” Deschamps said in a statement.

“I now have a road map with the financial wherewithal so that from today I can prepare the most competitive team possible in a precise budgetary framework.”

Deschamps, a former captain of Marseille and the French national team, led OM to their first league title in 17 years in the 2009/10 campaign.