Marseille president Vincent Labrune has expressed his excitement after Florian Thauvin joined the club on transfer deadline day.
The 20-year-old winger, who joined Lille in January before being immediately loaned back to former side Bastia, has been linked with a move to the Stade Velodrome throughout the entire summer.
However, Labrune is delighted to have signed Thauvin, who allegedly refused to play Les Dogues until securing a switch.
"We are obviously very pleased to have found a positive outcome to this long negotiation with our counterparts in Lille," said Labrune.
"I take this opportunity to underline the courtesy and the quality of the exchanges I have had these days with [Lille president] Michel Seydoux. They have allowed us to achieve this successful outcome.
"Finally, and most importantly, we are delighted that Florian can bring all his talent to our team. He has all the qualities to win the heart of our supporters."
Thauvin was part of the French side that won the U20 World Cup this summer.
Matt Cotton
