Tied to Marseille for the next 5 years, Djibril Cissé has resumed training with the squad. The OM attacker is overflowing with energy and ambition for the 2007-08 season in both the league and the Champions League.

It must be a relief to start training with Marseille ahead of the coming season?
Yes, I’m very happy. I have a lot to prove, and I have to confirm the strong form I had at the end of last season. Also, there were some people close to me who said I had made a mistake coming to Marseille. I ant to prove them wrong.

You have signed for 5 years. Are you looking for stability?
Pape Diouf wanted to do something long term. I liked the idea, it does give me a certain stability. The goal is to improve and help the team improve. Pape Diouf understood that my desire to come here wasn’t a whim, otherwise I would have gone elsewhere. Liverpool really wanted to sell to the highest bidder and I could easily have gone elsewhere. But I was firm, it was Marseille and nowhere else. Pape Diouf understood.”

What are your thoughts on the summer recruiting?
We’re more powerful than we were last season, especially physically and technically. More muscle mass. I’m really confident this squad can do some great things this season.

You played a part in the transfer of Boudewijn Zenden. What was that part?
I was asked about left-sided players, I mentioned Bolo (Zenden). Luckily he was free. He is a quality player. I spoke plainly and told him the truth, that for me, it was tough at the start but the season finished really well. At his age [he will be 31 on August 15, Ed] the OM experience will be good for him, I told him he’d like it here, that it’s quite special. But he’s played in some huge teams, like Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool, Eindhoven… He’s a winner and gives his all. I have no doubts about him.

Are you aiming for the title this season?
It’s too early to say. We haven’t had a practice match with the full squad yet but I know we have a lot of quality. We’ve been reinforced since last season. No-one can say whether we will be champions, but we’re well armed. On paper, we’re not far from the top but the team needs to jell and you only see that on the field.

And how do you see the European campaign?
Maybe we’re slightly below the big European clubs but anything can happen. With drive, excitement and our fans, we could do something huge. That’s what we’re hoping for.

This season will be your first complete season since your injury…
Last year, with only 6 months of game time, it’s hard to judge. I joined a squad that was almost complete. It interrupted them somewhat. Now, it’s a fresh start and I’m hoping for the best.

Are you scared of anything this season?
Only of our taking too long to develop understandings and good habits together on the pitch. I think it’ll be fine though.

Which team do you fear in the league? Lyon?
No, I think they will slump. What goes up must come down.

And in the Champions League? A favourite?
Barcelona… But watch out, you never know. Who would have said Greece would win Euro 2004? Not me…