Frenchman began his career in the South of France.
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Arsenal have been warned after recent new signing Mathieu Flamini revealed that he would one day like to move back to Olympique de Marseille, the “club of my heart”, according to reports in the Metro.
The former France international made a surprise return to the Emirates during the summer transfer window, with the defensive midfield player re-joining the Gunners on a free transfer from Serie A giants AC Milan last month, agreeing a two-year deal with the club.
The 29-year-old started out his professional career in the South of France, with Flamini making his debut for the Ligue 1 outfit in December 2003, although the Frenchman only played at the Stade Velodrome for the one season.
And after 24 appearances in total in all competitions for Marseille, including 14 in the league, Flamini then moved to north London in July 2004, with the holding midfield player staying in the capital for four campaigns, during which time he won just the 2005 FA Cup under Arsene Wenger’s management.
But despite the player’s return to Arsenal after a five-year spell at San Siro, with Flamini having started two matches already for the Gunners since his comeback to the club, the midfield player has admitted that he wants to end his career back in Marseille.
“You should never say never,” said Flamini about the possibility.
“I did my apprenticeship there. Of course it’s the club of my heart.
“I’ve always stayed close to it, because I’m in contact with Jose Anigo, someone who knows me very well.
“There has never been anything concrete and I have some good years ahead me.”