Ruslan Malinovskyi says he wishes he had left Atalanta for Olympique Marseille earlier.

The Russia international had his presentation in Marseille on Thursday.

He said, “With the national team I played in midfield, in Italy as a trequartista. I can play anywhere, it depends on the coach, the team, how you play. I like playing in attack.

“Marseille is a great city, with a great football history. They're the biggest club in France and have great fans. I'm here to help the club achieve their goals.

“I already knew the team because they had faced Ukrainian clubs in the past. They had great players, like Ribéry and Drogba.

“In the current squad I know Pau Lopez, Veretout and Ünder because they played in Italy. I played against Gigot in Belgium."

On OM coach Igor Tudor, who previously managed Hellas Verona, Malinovskyi continued: “I know the coach well because he worked in Italy. I spoke to him, I like dynamic football, which destabilises the opponent. It's a football I love.

“Marseille's offer was the most concrete, I knew I would accept. I had no doubts. There were also offers from England, but they were not concrete. I should've arrived here already in August, I followed the team."

On French football, he added: “All the teams are very physical. That doesn't frighten me because it's the same in Italy. There is a need for intensity.

“In Italy I always gave everything and did great things. Coming here is a big step in my career.

“Marseille want to win trophies. With Atalanta we played in the Champions League but there was always Inter and Juve to beat. I am 29 years old, I am not yet at the top, I can still be important."