Weah confession : ‘I was broken at Juventus, De Zerbi convinced me to join Marseille’

epa11908638 Timothy Weah of Juventus FC celebrates the 1-1 during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs 2nd leg soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Juventus FC in Eindhoven, Netherlands, 19 February 2025. EPA-EFE/SEM VAN DER WAL

Timothy Weah admits he was ‘broken and totally lacking in confidence’ after his Juventus experience, but an unusual Roberto De Zerbi call at 4am brought him to Olympique Marseille.

The son of former Milan legend George Weah had joined Juve with great expectations from Lille at a cost of €11m in the summer of 2023.

However, the USMNT star failed to make much of an impact, with seven goals and seven assists in 78 games for the club.

There was also controversy when he refused a move to Nottingham Forest, which he claims was agreed by the club without informing him.

Weah ‘broken’ during Juventus experience

“Olympique Marseille picked up a player who was broken, totally lacking in confidence,” he told Telefoot.

“It was difficult for me to even get up in the morning to go to training, because things were just not going well for me. Marseille really took a gamble.”

Italian coach De Zerbi spotted the potential for a return to Ligue 1 and convinced Weah with his rather unique charm.

“The coach called me at 4am, on Facetime,” laughed the player.

“He was wearing his pyjamas and smoking. He said: ‘Tim, you’ve got to come here. You’ll see, this is your home.’ And when I arrived at the airport, I was greeted as if I was home.”

« J’étais un joueur cassé… et Marseille m’a fait confiance ! »

Timothy Weah se montre très reconnaissant envers l’OM et De Zerbi et espère une longue histoire avec le club. ⚪️🔵 @SaberDesfa pic.twitter.com/RLgf1vhaTn

— Téléfoot (@telefoot_TF1) February 8, 2026

The transfer is a €1m loan with obligation to buy at the end of the season for a further €14.4m plus bonuses of up to another €4.1m.

Juve will also retain a 10 per cent cut of the future sale fee.

“I hope to stay here for a long time, if possible.”

Weah has rediscovered his form in France, scoring three goals with four assists in 28 competitive appearances for the club so far this season.