• Premier League

Liverpool fan Ayew admires Premier League

ESPN staff
June 17, 2013
Andre Ayew has emerged as a key member of Marseille's attacking unit this season © Getty Images
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Andre Ayew has said he has a soft spot for English football, but has told French television he is not looking to leave Marseille in the summer.

Ayew, 23, has become a key figure at the Stade Velodrome in the last three seasons, during which time only France international midfielder Mathieu Valbuena has been more productive in terms of goals and assists.

The Ghana international's performances have brought attention from across Europe, including from clubs in the Premier League - a competition Ayew watched in his native country as a child.

"It's a league every player dreams about. I speak English, and the English league is the one most followed here in Ghana. It's true that I have a real preference for England," he told TF1, stressing he was not necessarily seeking a premature end to his OM contract, which runs until 2015.

"We're talking as if I were looking to leave, but that's not at all the case," he explained. "There has been some contact. But if clubs are interested, I think they have [Marseille president] Vincent Labrune's number."

Inter Milan and Anzhi Makhachkala have been linked with Ayew, as have Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, but the attacking midfielder said his heart lies on the opposite side of Liverpool's Stanley Park.

"I have a little preference for the Reds. I've always followed them ever since I was little. Liverpool, and Real Madrid," he said.

With OM in a much stronger financial position than a year ago and looking to reinforce their squad ahead of a Champions League group stage campaign, suitors will find it difficult to prise Ayew away from the Ligue 1 runners-up.

"I owed it to myself to become an important first-team player," Ayew said. "It was my dream. Marseille is a big club, I think the biggest in France.

"I've talked with the president. I know more or less where the club wants to go. I know the club has ambitions."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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