Paixao confirms Premier League and Flamengo dream despite staying at Marseille

Igor Paixao has not hidden his ambitions. In an interview with Brazilian media outlet Band, the Olympique de Marseille winger openly discussed his desire to join the Premier League or his childhood club, Flamengo, while acknowledging a disappointing start to the season in Marseille colours.

The summer was eventful for the 26-year-old Brazilian. While Marseille sought to bolster its finances following a wave of departures — Mason Greenwood, Leonardo Balerdi, Geronimo Rulli, Facundo Medina and Quinten Timber all left the club — Paixao was among the players considered for sale. He ultimately held firm. “This transfer window was a bit intense, the club put everyone up for sale. I didn’t really want to leave, I don’t want to leave. I also chose to stay to help my team, we can’t recruit, there wouldn’t have been a player to replace me,” he explained.

Despite a solid pre-season, the former Feyenoord player is struggling to deliver on his promise at the start of the campaign, reflecting an overall Marseille side falling short of expectations.

For the future, Paixao is keeping all doors open. The Premier League, which he came very close to joining this summer, is among his objectives. “It’s also a dream to play in the Premier League, we’re going to have a good season so that next time other clubs can come and we can see make a bigger step. Of course, it has to be good for me and for the club,” he said.

But it is Flamengo that holds a special place in his thoughts. “There are contacts with my agents with Flamengo and Palmeiras. No concrete offer has arrived, so it’s more speculation. I think at the right moment, it will happen. I dream of playing for Flamengo. If God wills it, one day I will wear the Flamengo shirt and also realize my childhood dream and that of my family,” he concluded.

Paixao’s statements thus paint a clear picture: Marseille remains his home for now, but the Brazilian winger is already looking ahead to a departure, provided the sporting and financial conditions are right.