Morientes glad to be reunited with Deschamps

Former Spain striker Fernando Morientes said he was delighted to be reunited with coach Didier Deschamps after completing his signing with Olympique Marseille yesterday. Morientes played under Deschamps's guidance at Monaco, helping the principality...

Former Spain striker Fernando Morientes said he was delighted to be reunited with coach Didier Deschamps after completing his signing with Olympique Marseille yesterday.

Morientes played under Deschamps's guidance at Monaco, helping the principality team to reach the Champions League final in 2004.

The Spaniard, who had previously won the Champions League three times during his seven-year spell at Real Madrid, said he did not hesitate when Deschamps, now the Marseille coach, rang him.

"Didier called me on Wednesday and things clicked immediately, even if I did have another offer," Morientes told a news conference in Marseille.

Morientes, who was regarded as one of Europe's finest strikers in his prime but is now 33, joined Marseille on a free transfer. No details were revealed.

"I stopped for two months but I hope to be okay in a couple of weeks," he said, looking forward to the Ligue 1 season starting on Aug. 8.

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