Tuesday 27 December 2016 08:23, UK
Brazilian defender Hilton admits he had been hoping to head home before signing for Montpellier over the summer.
Brazilian defender Hilton admits he had been hoping to head home before signing for Montpellier over the summer.
The 34-year-old had grown disillusioned with life in France after finding himself consistently overlooked by Marseille coach Didier Deschamps.
Two years spent largely on the substitutes' bench at Stade Velodrome convinced him that the time was right to move on.
The plan was to return to Brazil, allowing him to see out his playing days in familiar surroundings.
No move was put in place, though, and Hilton ended up penning a deal with Montpellier.
Although such a switch was not his first choice, Hilton is of the opinion that he has joined a forward-thinking club and one that is capable of causing a stir in Ligue 1 this season.
"I came here to bounce back," he told L'Equipe.
"I have endured two seasons on the sidelines. Two wasted seasons.
"Deschamps told me I was a victim of competition for places, but I didn't see it like that. It was his choice.
"I have been away from Brazil for 10 years and I wanted to go back, but it couldn't be sorted out.
"Now I want to show physically, technically and tactically that I am still at my best. I am a proud person and I want to prove myself.
"At Montpellier the young players have good quality. With them we can achieve something special and compete for a top-four finish."
