Why would a 24-year-old England international, free of any contract, turn down offers from the Premier League to move to the south of France? Angel Gomes, who recently signed for Olympique de Marseille following “offers in England”, explains.
“I’ve been playing in France for four years and I know the history of OM. I spoke with the coach (Roberto De Zerbi). I talked to the management about OM’s ambitions, and I liked the project, the size of the club, the stadium…,” commented the former Lille player at his presentation press conference.
“You always want to play under pressure when you’re a great player and, here, you always play under pressure. OM is a great club, with a great history, the best stadium in France.
“I’ve played at the Velodrome before, it’s the most difficult stadium in France.”
But as the attacking midfielder seems well aware, conquering the Velodrome is no mean feat. Many have failed. Yet that won’t frighten Gomes, who has even allowed himself to be paralleled to Old Trafford.
“I played at Manchester United too, which is a big club. (…) I know the atmosphere of big stadiums,” he recalled.
“Marseille is different, it’s a different atmosphere. I love the supporters, people get together in the neighbourhoods, there’s a unity around the club. It can be intimidating, but I think it’s a positive thing.”
These words are sure to appeal to the fans, who will nonetheless be expecting the London-born to help them evolve their game. Fresh from four relatively successful seasons with Lille, Gomes will be eagerly awaited.
Firstly, because OM are returning to the Champions League this season, two years after their last appearance. Furthermore, besides their desire to do well on the European stage, the Phocaean club are hoping to finally get their hands on a trophy. It has to be said that for a club of its size, having to go back to the 2011 Trophée des Champions to find any trace of a celebration is an anomaly. Finally, because Gomes has already demonstrated his talent on numerous occasions, although he has had a number of physical problems and a degree of inconsistency during his time with Les Dogues.
And if the 24-year-old manages to put in a string of performances, new opportunities (or rather opportunities he has already had the chance to seize) could well present themselves to him once again.
‘I want to play for the national team too, it would be an honour for me,’ he said.
By the end of 2024, Gomes had already worn the England colours on four occasions. The reward for his accomplished performances, at the time noticed by Lee Carsley, then interim coach of the Three Lions.
With the World Cup just a year away, the new Olympian is now hoping to catch the eye of Thomas Tuchel. But there is still a long way to go, and the competition is fierce.
It’s up to him to give himself the means to fulfil his ambitions.
