Zubizarreta named Marseille sporting director

Marseille (AFP) – Former Spain and Barcelona goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta was named sporting director of French giants Marseille on Thursday, club president Jacques-Henri Eyraud confirmed.

Zubizarreta previously served the same role at Barcelona from 2010 to 2015 and helped the Spanish champions recruit Neymar and Luis Suarez. 

His appointment comes a day after Marseille parted company with Belgian sporting director Gunter Jacob as the club’s new owner, American tycoon Frank McCourt, continues his overhaul of the nine-time French champions. 

“Marseille has a big heart, a great football soul like Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona,” said Zubizarreta, referring to two of his former clubs.

“There’s a great passion with the supporters in Marseille, it’s a huge opportunity for me football wise as well as individually.” 

The Spaniard will work alongside new coach Rudi Garcia after the former Lille and Roma boss signed a three-year contract to take over at the Stade Velodrome last week.

Now 55, “Zubi” won 126 caps for Spain during a distinguished playing career in which he represented Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona and Valencia.