Traore targets Marseille success

18 August 2011 12:14
Former Liverpool defender Djimi Traore has set his sights on winning silverware after joining Marseille.[LNB] The 31-year-old Mali international was a free agent after being released by Monaco at the end of last season, and will compete with fellow new signing Jeremy Morel for the left-back berth in Didier Deschamps' line-up.[LNB]OM are this term looking to wrest the Ligue 1 title back after finishing second behind Lille last season and Traore, a Coupe de France runner-up with Monaco in 2010 and Champions League winner with Liverpool in 2005, cannot wait to add to his medal collection.[LNB]"I want to win titles," he told Marseille's official website.[LNB]"In France, I have never won a trophy. I missed out on a lot of titles. I was runner-up in France with Lens, I lost a cup final in France with Monaco.[LNB]"But Marseille primarily recruited me to do my job as best as possible."[LNB]On working under former France midfielder Deschamps, Traore said: "I have spoken to him on the phone and he is one of the reasons I signed. He was clear with me. He had a simple and honest discourse, which I like. I wanted to work with such a coach and I am very happy.[LNB]"I am very pleased to be joining a great club like OM. This is one of the most popular and most prestigious in France. For me, who played in England for a club like Liverpool, Marseille is the equivalent in France."[LNB]Traore will be available to Deschamps straight away but admits he is lacking match-fitness.[LNB]"Unfortunately, I was injured six months ago at the Parc des Princes," he said.[LNB]"I've recovered, I had a good rehabilitation. I was lucky to have people in Monaco who took very good care of me. I have come back well. I'm just missing the pace of matches.[LNB]"I'm lagging behind the group. It's only been a month since I got back to work. It will take me some time but I will work hard to return quickly."[LNB]Meanwhile, Marseille confirmed on Wednesday midfielder Edouard Cisse had left the club.[LNB]An OM statement read: "Marseille and Edouard Cisse have reached an agreement for the termination of the player's contract. A free agent, the midfielder looks to be close to signing for AJ Auxerre."

Source: Team_Talk