Olympique de Marseille presented three of their summer recruits this Monday at the Commanderie, while the Pablo Longoria-Mehdi Benatia pair are pushing to strengthen an attacking sector that is a little weak in Roberto De Zerbi’s squad at the moment. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Derek Cornelius and Ismaël Koné appeared before the media and the young Canadian midfielder particularly charmed his audience.
Frank, funny and relaxed, the former Watford player did not mince his words, especially when discussing the rumors that at one time sent his compatriot Jonathan David to OM at the same time as him. Unfortunately for the Marseille supporters, who should see Lens player Elye Wahi arrive in the coming days, the Losc striker does not seem particularly interested in the prospect of playing for another Ligue 1 team.
Two Canadians but not three
Koné thus declared: “I told him (to come), but he didn’t want to! I asked him questions, because I think he’s been playing in Ligue 1 for 4 years now and he’s a very good friend. He gave me good advice and spoke to me positively about Ligue 1. (…) It’s a physical and tough championship. I can’t wait to discover Ligue 1. It’s a starting point and not a finishing point. My goal is to move up a gear and take OM to where it deserves to be. OM is a top club and Ligue 1 is a top championship,” explained Ismaël Koné.
Jonathan David, who has scored 84 goals in 183 matches for Lille, is coveted across Europe, but is still wearing the Losc jersey at the moment. He even played in the first leg of the preliminary round of the Champions League with Les Dogues, against Fenerbahçe (2-1). His value is estimated at around 50 million euros.
In Marseille, Ismaël Koné will still have a compatriot in the squad, in the person of central defender Derek Cornelius.
