Ben Arfa becomes a misfit
by Laurent Picard, 29 June 2008
Despite Lyon having ordered Hatem Ben Arfa to start the pre-season with them on Monday, the controversial winger has refused to listen to his parent club and said he will train with Marseille on Tuesday.
The France international has been allowed to discuss a move to L’OM after experiencing several bust-ups with OL’s directors, but a deal is yet to be done and the player already considers himself a Marseillais.
New manager Claude Puel declared on Sunday ‘the deal is over’ and told Ben Arfa, via the press, to present himself at Tola Vologe for the first training session of the season.
But it appears the talented player has become a misfit at his club, as he has decided his future without having agreed a move to Ligue 1 rivals Marseille.
“I’m at Marseille and I’m not coming back to Lyon,” Ben Arfa said.
“I’ll be at La Commanderie training grounds on Tuesday.
“Whatever can be said, I’m here.”