Valbuena commits to Marseille

Mathieu Valbuena has announced he will definitely be staying at Marseille this season.

The 24-year-old French midfielder had been linked with possible moves to Liverpool and Atletico Madrid over the summer.

But he has announced: “I just really want to stay. It should be pointed out this club really value me and make me want to do great things for them.”

The diminutive Valbuena is happy to be part of the competition for places at Marseille.

“It’s always been like this – with (Franck) Ribery, Samir Nasri or even Eric Gerets,” he recalled.

“Whether I am here or somewhere else, it’s always going to be like that.”

Mathieu began his career playing with FC Girondins de Bordeaux, but was released due to his small stature.

However, subsequent improved performances with Libourne Saint-Seurin, during the period they were promoted to Ligue 2, resulted in Marseille acquiring his services in 2008.