Interview with OM's new right back, César Azpilicueta Tanco, who has just signed a four year contract with the club.
Under a heavy sun which should remind him of his native Basque Country, César Azpilicueta Tanco, who we will call “Azpi” as he recommended, has experienced his first day as an Olympian. Present at the Robert Louis-Dreyfus training ground this morning, he was impressed by the infrastructure “a lot bigger” than those at his former club Osasuna. Present for the distribution of the training gear alongside his team-mates, he then kindly accepted a photo session and an interview in good French for the media of the club.
Professional and with a big smile he signed his four year contract with OM during the afternoon. He will wear the number 2 which has been left free by Garry Bocaly. Interview.
So, what should we call you, Azpilicueta, César, Azpi?
Azpi is the easiest. I have a long name which is difficult to pronounce but you can call me what you like.
What are your first impressions of Marseille, the training ground and your team-mates?
I’m delighted to be here. OM is a great club. I saw all the infrastructure of the training centre, it’s huge and I’m sure we can do great things here.
Why did you choose Olympique de Marseille?
OM showed that they had confidence in me. I think that I can bring a lot to the team but that I will be able to progress a great deal as well.
You have a great reputation in Spain and they say you have great potential, do you think you will be able to progress in the Ligue?
Coming to Marseille is a very important step in my career. I will try and bring my football to a division that is very different to the Spanish Liga. This change is important for me.
What do you know about French football?
I know all of the teams and a lot of the players. At Osasuna, I had team-mates who knew the league well and they said a lot of good to me about it. I hope that everything will go well for me but also for the team.
Are you thinking of Ludovic Delporte?
Yes there was Ludovic but also Jaroslav Plasil who then moved on to Bordeaux. They both had great things to say about the Ligue 1. They are happy for me, happy that I have moved here.
What image does OM have in Spain?
They have a good reputation, especially after playing against Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League. Everyone in Spain knows that it is one of the biggest clubs in France.
You are going to be playing alongside payers like Lucho, Gaby Heinze or Mamadou Niang, are you excited about that?
Being in a team with great players is very important to me. It will help me to progress and better my football. I’m still young, I’m only 20 (21 at the end of August) and I will be giving my all for OM.
You will discover the Champions League with OM, is that important for you?
It’s a very important competition for me. Playing in the Champions League is something that I have been dreaming about since my childhood. I’m delighted to be discovering the competition this season with Marseille.
Have you spoken to Didier Deschamps who is a Basque like you?
We spoke for a few minutes, but I think we will have the time to get to know each other better over the next few days.
