Friday, 2nd September, 2011
Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo has confirmed that the French club had an agreement in place for Andre-Pierre Gignac to join Fulham.
Gignac flew to London on transfer deadline day and was ready to put pen to paper on a season-long loan with Martin Jol’s side. There was also some late interest from Newcastle in the former Toulouse striker.
And Marseille were happy for the 25-year-old to sign for the Cottagers, as Fulham had agreed to take on the full cost of Gignac’s €300,000 per month salary.
However, Marseille were confident of signing a striker to replace the French international, with Juventus forward Amauri expected at the Stade Velodrome.
But Amauri U-turned on a potential deal and Anigo was forced to pull the plug on Gignac’s English move.
"Amauri wanted to come, but after he did some thinking it stalled and he did not arrive", Anigo told RMC.
"With Fulham there was an agreement but the deal was not confirmed. It was close to the deadline.
"In order not to take any chances we stopped the negotiations and Andre-Pierre Gignac returned to Marseille.
"He was OK with signing for Fulham and it seemed to please him. But he is back with good intentions. We talked and he intends to continue his career."
Latest Features:
