Explanatory note:
In the beginning of the 2015 / 2016 season, I was loaned by Real Madrid to OM, due to excess of non European players in the squad.
In this occasion I have received offers from several clubs.
The decision to join OM was driven by the great interest showed by the President and the Coach.
Since my arrival, I have demonstrated total commitment to the club. As an example, I took the initiative to work with one of the best physical coaches in Brazil, and I am physically better than ever before in my career.
On the last day of the transfer window, I was on the bus with the team in order to travel for a match, while negotiations were taking place with European clubs. I was then told by OM to stay in Marseille because I could travel at any moment as a result of these negotiations.
Having said that, I have never been asked to leave the bus as some media vehicles suggested.
After my agent assured that all my interests would be preserved, I was then told about the offers.
The decision to stay in OM was based on my personal belief that commitments must be honored. Besides that, I am an athlete who always grew in front of major challenges, overcoming them many times during my career.
There is indeed interest of many Brazilian clubs, to whom I thank for. Nevertheless, a return to Brazil at this stage is neither part of Real Madrid’s plan nor mine. I would like to thank Real Madrid for the support received during this process.
I also take this opportunity to reinforce that I will stay at OM until the end of my contract and will continue to fully dedicate myself to the club. Moreover, I would like to thank the coach and my team mates who have always supported me.
Finally, I am also very grateful to OM's fans for the way they received me in Marseille. Be assured that my dedication to the club is total and that I’ll make all the efforts to help the team succeed this season.