Barthez staying with Marseille
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Article summary
France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has signed a two-year contract with Olympique de Marseille.
Article body
Loan move
The 32-year-old FIFA World Cup winner joined Marseille on loan from Manchester United FC in January and, although the English club had already agreed to terminate Barthez's contract at the end of June, the goalkeeper's playing future had been in doubt.
World-class talent
Marseille president Christophe Bouchet said: "He has demonstrated that he really is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and we have signed a contract for two years, which is a good length as it leads up to the [2006] FIFA World Cup."
High standards
Barthez, who had a spell at the Vélodrome between 1992 and 1995 that included UEFA Champions League success in 1993, has impressed in helping Marseille reach the last four of the UEFA Cup. The club lie sixth in Ligue 1 with five games remaining.
Main priority
"I'm have been in the business for 13 years now and first of all I want to enjoy it," said Barthez. "I know that in Marseille I will enjoy it. I came here for that and I hope I'll finish my career here."
