Silva remains committed to Marseille

Posted Friday, February 12, 2016 by foxsportsasia.com

The 22-year-old midfielder is halfway through his season-long loan from Real Madrid, but was linked with an exit from the Ligue 1 club last month after making just nine starts during the first half of the campaign.

Silva had attracted interest from Belgian giants Anderlecht, although he is believed to have turned down their advances, while there were also suitors looking to bring him back to his native Brazil.

Les Phoceens boss Michel subsequently left the Brazilian out of his Europa League squad for the knockout stages, with Athletic Bilbao their opponents in the last 32.

According to L'Equipe, Silva was kicked off the bus as the team prepared to travel to Stade de la Mosson on Febuary 2, just one day after the European transfer window closed but ahead of the deadline in Brazil.

However, the youngster took to Facebook on Thursday to explain events which led to the false reports in the French media, while confirming he remains committed to the French club.

"During the last day of the winter transfer window, I took my place on the team bus with my team-mates," Silva wrote.

"Because of a possible transfer being negotiated, I was led to move in accordance with the transaction taking place.

"In this way, the Marseille directors advised me to stay in Marseille and not to travel with the team. I was never kicked off the bus as some media outlets announced.

"There were certainly teams in Brazil interested in signing me and I thank them. However, it's not in Real Madrid's interest or mine to return to Brazil at the moment. I would like to thank Real Madrid for their support during this process.

"I'll take this occasion to reaffirm that I will stay at Marseille until end of my contract with the club. I've decided to stay in Marseille because I believe I should go to the end of the commitments that I've made. I've always taken up challenges and I always take them on with courage."