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Adil Rami Affirms His Commitment To Lille Ahead Of Marseille Fixture

The imposing centre-back has stated that he is fully focused on his present side, despite being frustrated in his attempts to move to OM this summer.

Aug 15, 2009 6:50:30 PM

Adil Rami (Lille) vs Moncef Zerka (Nancy)

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Adil Rami (Lille) vs Moncef Zerka (Nancy)

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Adil Rami

Adil Rami has moved to reassure Lille supporters that he is fully committed to les Dogues’ cause ahead of their fixture against Olympique de Marseille on Sunday night.

The promising central defender had hoped to move to OM during the summer, as les Phoceens were reportedly very interested in his services, even having a bid rejected by LOSC’s hierarchy. As a result of this, Rami went on the offensive, criticising head coach Rudi Garcia and president Michel Seydoux, something he now regrets.

“I was frustrated with what was said and what happened,” he explained to the AFP news agency. “I discovered the world of transfers, which is part of our job as footballers.

“What I said about the coach and the president was made because I was disappointed and irritated. Now it’s over and I have drawn a line under this story. I am 100 per cent in Lille. I have confidence in us, we are a great team that can make things happen.”

Though Lorient proved victorious against les Dogues last weekend, winning 2-1 at the Stade Lille-Metropole, Rami thinks his side can bounce back against the odds. “Everyone sees us losing this game,” he stated. “I even saw that the Montpellier president thinks we will lose. Let’s make them lie. We will not go there in a tutu!”

The fixture will be played in Montpellier because Marseille’s Stade Velodrome is not yet available because of a delay in resurfacing the pitch due to a lengthy investigation into the deaths of two construction workers prior to a Madonna concert. The 23-year-old believes this will have no bearing on the game.

“Frankly, for me, it makes no difference,” he asserted.

Lille will need to cut out their defensive fallibilities if they are to stand a chance at the Stade de la Mosson, as Marseille are considered to be the prime candidates to claim the Ligue 1 title come May.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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