Real Madrid and Man Utd wanted to sign Mbia

The Cameroonian defender impressed for Marseille last season, but has recently struggled with a knee injury.

He told L’Equipe: “Did I have contacts in the summer? Yes indeed, and I talked about it with the coach. I didn’t say I wanted to leave l’OM.

“But clubs contacted me. The coach absolutely wanted me to stay. The fact to have not left for a great club like Real or Manchester, which contacted me, it was a good lesson I learnt.

“We are still in touch. They call me regularly, but the most important is Marseille. I own a lot to the club. If I have reached that level, it is thanks to l’OM.”