Report – Ex Bayern Munich Star Defender Pushed For Inter Milan Exit – Wanted To Return To France | OneFootball

Benjamin Pavard swapped Inter Milan for Olympique Marseille on the final day of the summer transfer window.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, the 29-year-old was desperate to return to his homeland.

Despite joining Inter as one of Europe’s finest defenders in 2023, Benjamin Pavard often seemed unsettled in Serie A.

However, he was omnipresent in Inter’s starting line-up when fit and ready.

Therefore, Cristian Chivu’s decision to omit him from the team against Udinese caught many by surprise.

Yet, there was a perfectly reasonable explanation.

Benjamin Pavard Wanted to Leave Inter Milan for France Even Before Joining Marseille

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 20: Benjamin Pavard of FC Internazionale Milano faces the media during the Training/Press Conference ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on June 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

It looks like the versatile defender was homesick long before Marseille knocked on Inter’s door.

As a result, it didn’t take long before the clubs agreed terms over Pavard’s return to France.

Furthermore, the player embraced the deal, even though Marseille cannot offer him a chance to fight for trophies like Inter.

Meanwhile, Chivu’s side acted quickly to fill the gap, signing Manuel Akanji from Manchester City.

It was an ‘instinctive’ signing aimed at shoring up the defense without wasting time.