Taiwo Wants To Leave Marseille

Taye Taiwo has returned from his post World Cup holidays to tell Olympique Marseille he wishes to leave.

The fullback, who competed for Nigeria at the World Cup in South Africa, has told the French champions he wants to take up an offer from UEFA Europa League winners Atletico Madrid.

But Marseille’s coach Didier Deschamps said he was not willing to let the Nigerian go because he believes his other left-back, the ageing Argentine international Gabriel Heinze, will not complete an entire season with injury. Marseille not only defend their League title, but also play in the UEFA Champions League in the coming months.

Taiwo has already had discussions with Atletico, who have tabled a 4.5-million Euro offer.

Last season, Deschamps rejected a 12-million Euro offer from England’s Manchester City for the Super Eagles’ free-kick specialist.

This is the last chance for Marseille to make any money out of Taiwo, because he will be at the end of his contract in June next year and then able to go to any club of his choosing. Marseille’s directors might persuade Deschamps that it would be good business to let Taiwo go now, the reports added.