Facundo Medina: 'I want to be part of Marseille's great history.'

Unveiled to the press on Wednesday afternoon, Facundo Medina cut a confident and charismatic figure as he was officially presented as an Olympique de Marseille player. With his platinum-blonde hair and his mix of Spanish and French, the Argentina international already looked the part — and sounded it too.

The former RC Lens defender, OM’s third summer recruit and the first to face the media, opened his first press conference expressing why he joined the club. "It's a big club, based in France's second city. Lots of Argentine players have played here, like Lucho Gonzalez"

That sense of empathy and belonging carried through the entire session. Medina may only just be arriving, but his words suggested he already feels at home. "The Vélodrome is a bit like Argentina. I know this stadium and its fans are incredible – even if I spent five beautiful years in Lens."

A decision to not leave during the season earned him respect at Lens, but his ambition was always to reach new heights — and at OM, he sees the perfect blend of passion and project. A key factor in Medina’s decision? The ideas of head coach Roberto De Zerbi. "The staff, the project, the coach’s interest – those all played a role. We spoke a bit, and I can tell you it went well (smiles). We share ideas, and I want to be part of what’s being built here."

His tactical flexibility could also be key in the coming months. Franck Haise, his former coach at Lens, was glowing in his assessment: "Facundo can switch seamlessly between a back four and a back three. He has the intelligence and the energy to adapt, whether he’s defending wide or centrally."

"Football positions have changed a lot. We’re professionals – I feel comfortable in both systems and I just want to play. Four, five, three at the back… whatever the coach needs."

A tight bond with Balerdi

Medina also highlighted the importance of his Argentina teammates at OM — particularly Leonardo Balerdi, whose own Marseille story helped inspire his move. "Leo and I have an exceptional relationship. We talk about everything. I know what he went through during his first two years here. He’s smart, he has a big heart, and he’s a top player. We’ve laughed a lot about his stories from Marseille – it really motivated me to come. I'm happy to be part of this group of Argentinians at OM. I want to be part of this club's great history."

That connection to the dressing room is also something that is hugely important for Medina, as the Argentinian added "I'm a bit unique. I was told to do a bit of everything in the dressing room. A bit of atmosphere, especially good humour. I think we have to enjoy our job, the happiness it brings and the position we're in. Children and families sacrifice everything to come and see us, and we give our all for them, but we also have to savour what we have."

"I’ll try to help this team however I can. The pressure is always there at a club like this – but that’s why we’re here. I’ll take responsibility, I’ll be at 100%. We’ll fight in every match, offensively and defensively. The goal is to build on last season and aim higher."