Taiwo confirms Marseille exit

Taye Taiwo has confirmed that he will be leaving Marseille and claims to know where he is heading in the summer.

The full-back has snubbed numerous offers of a new deal at Stade Velodrome in favour of taking on a new challenge elsewhere.

He has spent the last seven years with Marseille and admits it will be a wrench to leave, but feels it is time for a fresh start.

The 25-year-old will not reveal the identity of the club he expects to be turning out for from next season, but is confident that a deal will soon be done.

Taiwo said in a press conference to confirm his departure: "Thanks to the fans of Marseille, thanks to [Steve] Mandanda for all the saves he has made, thanks to my good friend [Stephane] Mbia.

"I would also like to thank my manager Didier Deschamps, who has been great, but I have made my mind up to leave this club.

"I already know where I want to go, but nothing has been concluded as yet. There are still some minor details which will be ironed out soon."

AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Liverpool have all been linked with a move for the Nigeria international.

While Taiwo is set to leave Marseille in the near future, Seydou Keita has ruled out a summer arrival at the Ligue 1 giants.

The Malian midfielder has played down reports that he is unsettled at Barcelona and is looking for a return to France, where he has previously turned out for Marseille, Lorient and Lens.

"I have a contract here until 2014," said Keita when pressed on his future.

"I am playing with and training alongside some of the best players in the world.

"At all big teams you cannot expect to play every week. I still want to play for this club, a club I believe is the best in the world."

Source: Teamtalk

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