In the summer of 2024, after his contract with Juventus concluded, Adrien Rabiot took his time to secure a new club. To widespread astonishment, the French international, a product of the PSG academy, ultimately agreed to join Olympique de Marseille. Yet, Rabiot could have pursued other prestigious opportunities, as recent disclosures have brought to light.
Currently a player for AC Milan, Adrien Rabiot made his return to the Italian championship a year ago. His departure from OM, following an altercation with Jonathan Rowe, led the French international to settle in Lombardy, once again competing in Serie A, a league he knows intimately. Indeed, from 2019 to 2024, Rabiot proudly wore the Juventus jersey. Upon the expiration of his contract, the player, who came through the PSG ranks, then moved to OM, opting for this destination despite alluring offers from top European contenders presenting more ambitious projects.
Ancelotti’s real madrid ambition for rabiot
Beyond his origins at PSG, Adrien Rabiot’s decision to sign with OM raised eyebrows, particularly because the Marseilles club was not participating in any European competition at the time. Nevertheless, the French international was swayed by Marseille‘s appeal, a move that came despite the possibility of joining… Real Madrid. As Rabiot delivered a strong performance during the World Cup with the French national team, Spanish journalist José Félix Diaz from AS commented on his displays, recalling on X: « Rabiot was without a team on August 30, 2024. Ancelotti wanted to sign him ». Despite this desire from Carlo Ancelotti, the former Real Madrid coach, Adrien Rabiot ultimately did not relocate to the Spanish capital, choosing instead to head to OM.
Benatia’s bold approach secures rabiot for OM
At OM, it was Medhi Benatia who spearheaded Adrien Rabiot‘s arrival. The former sporting director for Marseille recounted the details of this significant acquisition: « When I brought Adrien in, the transfer window was closed, but we could use a joker. He was a free agent then, having not extended his contract with Juve. He had numerous options, but for various reasons, he hadn’t reached an agreement elsewhere. I had closely followed the entire transfer market, observing where he might go, and so on. So, I just went for it with audacity. (…) When you know Adri, he’s incredibly passionate about football, a guy who gives his all. So, when I called him, I thought, at worst he says no, I have nothing to lose. But if it works out… And then, he called me back 24 hours later. I told him: “Adri, my friend, I gave you 48 hours, not 24. Are you sure you’ve thought this through?” He replied: “No, no, I’ve thought about it. I’ll give you my mom’s number, call her and you can get started.” I said: “Don’t worry, I already have everything. I just need you to tell me if…” He responded: “No, it’s good, it’s how you talked about football that convinced me. It’s settled, I want to come.” ».
More Stories
Yaoundé taxis face mandatory digital registration
Gabon inaugurates its pioneering sovereign data center in Nkok
La République démocratique du Congo confirme que le nombre de cas d’infection par Ebola a dépassé les 1 500.