Former Manchester City defender Karim Rekik has explained his decision to join Olympique Marseille.

Rekik was also wanted by PSV Eindhoven, where he spent last season.

"I wanted to take the next step and PSV was not an option this year. I had the choice between Atletico Madrid and Marseille. OM contacted me first and told me that I was really wanted.

"The way people talk about you is something that matters.

"Football is everything for Marseille and I want to pay them back by making good matches and, hopefully, bringing trophies.

"I want to prove my qualities in France, in a more competitive championship. I deliberately chose to leave PSV on top. It's in my career path, I want to get to the top."