Marseille president has high hopes for Cisse

Marseille president Pape Diouf has revealed a groundswell of public support convinced him to sign Djibril Cisse on a season-long loan deal from Liverpool.

The 24-year-old France international striker, currently sidelined until October with a broken leg, formally completed his move to the Ligue 1 side on Wednesday.

And Diouf is hoping the forward can make a rapid return to action and secure a permanent deal with the Mediterranean club.

“This is a one-year loan with view to a permanent move,” said Diouf.

“We are very happy to have signed Cisse because we responded to popular demand. People were asking me about him every day.

“It was a tough challenge because it’s never easy to get French internationals who play abroad.

“We eventually sealed the deal and Cisse will be with us for one season at least.

“He always wanted to join Marseille and I would also like to thank the Liverpool manager (Rafael Benitez) who did not make things complicated.”