This summer, OM recruited two players playing in England, a third was requested, without success. Last summer, Anthony Martial made a crucial decision for his future, after a difficult period at Manchester United, the French striker rejected several offers, including that of Olympique de Marseille (OM) to join AEK.
Free from any contract, Anthony Martial returned to the Paris region to undergo rigorous individual physical preparation, alternating between indoor and field sessions. While he was in demand by clubs like BesiktasSaudi teams, as well as OM, he chose not to give in to financial or media sirens. According to L'Equipe, the Marseille club, which had courted him on several occasions, saw its application rejected by Martial. OM did not correspond to his current aspirations. The player preferred to focus on his personal well-being and his pleasure of playing, far from the usual pressures of Ligue 1 clubs.
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Martial rejected OM's offer (before the arrival of De Zerbi)
The Marseille project, before By Zerbi arrives, did not seduce Martial. He also rejected Lille, who were interested in him at the end of the transfer window. According to those close to him, at almost 29 years old, Martial is no longer looking to make a big transfer, but rather to flourish in a less stressful environment. His goal now is to rediscover the joy of playing football. One of his relatives declared to the sports daily: “After playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, he is reaching an age where he is no longer waiting to make a big transfer, but rather to say to himself: 'I'll take what there is. has to take, I take pleasure differently » »
It was finally at AEK Athens that Martial decided to bounce back. This Greek club offers him a quieter setting, with an interesting sporting project in the Europa League, while allowing him to relaunch his career outside the shadow of the big European clubs. Martial signed a two and a half contract, with an estimated salary of 2.5 million euros net.
At 29, Anthony Martial has chosen to take his time and rediscover himself in a new chapter of his career, far from the demands of OM.
