Taye Taiwo offers to return to Marseille for free in emotional OM declaration

Fifteen years after leaving Olympique de Marseille, former Nigeria left-back Taye Taiwo says he would be willing to return to the club despite being 41 and having ended his professional career in 2022.

Asked about the possibility of putting on the Marseille shirt again, Taiwo replied: “I’m coming back for free!”

The comment was made in a video published on X and underlined the lasting affection he still has for the club. Taiwo joined Marseille in 2005 and quickly became one of the team’s most recognisable players.

His powerful performances, energy on the left side and ability to strike the ball made him a popular figure among supporters. During his time at the club, he established himself as a prominent member of the Marseille side before departing in 2011.

Career took him across Europe

After leaving Marseille, Taiwo continued his career abroad, playing in Italy, England, Turkey, Ukraine and Finland.

However, none of those spells allowed him to consistently reproduce the level he had shown in the colours of Olympique de Marseille. His career eventually came to an end in 2022.

Taiwo has remained closely connected to football since retiring and continues to attract attention when discussing his time at Marseille. His latest comments again highlighted the special place the club holds in his career.

A return to Ligue 1 at the age of 41 would clearly be more of a friendly gesture than a realistic sporting plan. Nevertheless, his offer is likely to bring back fond memories for Marseille supporters who remember his performances at left-back.

Taiwo left the club 15 years ago, but his words suggest that his attachment to Marseille has not faded. If the club ever needed his help, he indicated that he would be ready to respond without asking for payment.

Marseille will soon begin their Europa League campaign with a first-round match against Besiktas.