Marvin Martin, France

Newcastle star convinced Arsenal and Tottenham target to snub north London for Lille

Thursday, June 21, 2012
11:55 AM

Transfer News: Yohan Cabaye convinced Marvin Martin to sign for the French club.

Arsenal and Tottenham have missed out on the capture of Marvin Martin as Lille complete the signing of the Sochaux midfielder.

The 24-year-old, who is in France’s Euro 2012 squad, revealed that Newcastle star Yohan Cabaye convinced him to join Lille.

“Whether Yohan (Cabaye), Adil (Rami) or “Debuch” (Mathieu Debuchy), they all advised me to come to Lille,” he told the club’s official site.

“We talked a lot and I was confirmed in my choice because they told me that’s positive. After, in the current workforce, I also know Rio (Mavuba) or Nolan (Roux).”

Martin also admitted that the lure of Champions League football tempted him to join the French club.

“The entire project convinced me to join Lille,” he told the club’s official site.

“The facilities are beautiful. I watched closely the model of the Grand Stade Lille Metropole: this forum will attract a lot of people, for sure.

“I also found the Domaine de Luchin which is simply superb, with excellent facilities, even if I have to deepen the knowledge of the area.

“There is also the ambition to play the next Champions League. I look forward to contest the play-off because I have not had the chance to participate in this competition.”