Emerson Palmieri says 'special person' Roberto De Zerbi has 'a passion I've never seen' as winger opens up on decision to join Marseille from West Ham

Emerson joined Marseille from West Ham late in the summer window for a €1 million fee including bonuses, signing a two-year deal with an option for another season. The defender, who previously played for Lyon, has quickly settled in, making six appearances for the Ligue 1 side as they push to stay within reach of Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the table.

Speaking to Calciomercato, Emerson was full of admiration for De Zerbi, describing the Marseille manager as a one-of-a-kind personality who values players beyond the pitch.

"A special person. I've had many coaches in my career, but I've never met anyone like him," he said. "He brings a passion I've never seen on the pitch. He values the human aspect, and the players sense this: you can talk to him about anything. On the other side, there's not just a coach, but a person who loves you."

The 31-year-old revealed that his transfer to Les Phoceens nearly fell through because of West Ham’s reluctance to lower their asking price.

“Two weeks earlier, I had already given De Zerbi the OK; the clubs needed to reach an agreement. I was afraid they wouldn’t, but the manager and Benatia wanted me so much that they waited until the very end.” 

He added: “Before the transfer, I spent 50 days training alone. West Ham wouldn't lower their demands, but I kept calm because I knew Marseille were there.”

Emerson’s arrival has boosted Marseille’s defensive stability and added valuable European experience from his time in the Premier League and Serie A.

Marseille sit second in Ligue 1, just one point behind PSG, and will face Le Havre after the international break before meeting Sporting CP in the Champions League. Emerson is expected to feature in both matches as De Zerbi continues to shape his ambitious Marseille side.