Olympique Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda is sorry to lose Florian Thauvin to Newcastle United.

Mandanda admits he was close to the former OM winger.

"The departure of Florian Thauvin? I regret it because before everything else, he is a friend.

"It became difficult for him in Marseille but I have the phone.

"He is very happy in Newcastle, this is the most important," Mandanda told Telefoot.