Our Moroccan News – A. Abu Al-Fotouh
Moroccan international Azzedine Ounahi has joined Greek club Panathinaikos on a season-long loan from French club Olympique de Marseille.
This step came in conjunction with Ounahi unfollowing his former teammate, Mehdi Benatia, Marseille’s sporting director, on Instagram, which highlights the differences between the two parties, especially after Benatia’s attempts to provide Gulf offers to Ounahi, despite the latter’s insistence on staying in the European continent.
In media statements, Ounahi explained that he rejected financial temptations, referring to moving to the Qatari and Saudi leagues, stressing that his decision to join Panathinaikos was a big challenge through which he aimed to restore his brilliance on the green rectangle, and he stressed that he chose the difficult path by continuing in Europe, instead of the easy options that could have put an end to his football career early.
It is worth noting that Panathinaikos included a purchase clause in Ounahi’s loan contract for 11.5 million euros, with his former club Angers receiving 30% of the deal value.
Panathinaikos are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the Europa Conference League, while Ounahi is looking to return to top form after a period of decline since his move to Marseille.
