Marseille move cheers Celestini
Tuesday, July 30, 2002
Article summary
Olympique de Marseille have signed Swiss international Fabio Celestini in a €3m deal.
Article body
Former European champions Olympique de Marseille have signed Swiss international Fabio Celestini from fellow French club ES Troyes Aube Champagne.
Third signing
Marseille have paid €3m for the midfield player, who becomes their third signing of the summer after Pascal Olembe, whose one-year loan was converted into a permanent move in May, and former Lille OSC defender Johnny Ecker.
Perrin reunion
Celestini, who will link up with former Troyes coach Alain Perrin, who this summer became the new Marseille general manager and team chief, said: "I am very happy to be at OM, this is like a dream coming true. Whatever happened at Marseille over the past few years I don't know one single player at Troyes who would not have liked to sign with this club. This is the result of two years of hard work with Troyes. I feel I am going to be a success here."
Wait for debut
Perrin confirmed that Celestini will probably not make his debut in Saturday's league season opener at home to FC Nantes Atlantique. "He has just arrived and even if he trained a little bit with Troyes, there is a risk he might be short physically," Perrin said. "It would not be good for the team nor him if he is playing too early. We are going to use this week to judge his form but next week I think he will be able to apply for a place in the group."
