Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leaves Tottenham for Marseille

The former Southampton captain, during his official presentation via RMC Sport, was left in a rather awkward position, then, when arguably his finest moment in a Spurs shirt was brought up while sitting alongside L’OM president Pablo Longoria.

“If you want me to apologise, I will, no problem!” Hojbjerg laughs, before shifting the conversation to Marseille’s famously impassioned fanbase and their iconic home.

“It was several years ago. I remember a magnificent stadium. I did what I could for the colours I defended.”

Hojbjerg fell out of favour under Ange Postecoglou last term. It is likely that, had he stayed, opportunities would have been even harder to come by with Lucas Bergvall and the £35 million teenager Archie Gray shining in pre-season.

And when Marseille came calling, a frustrated Hojbjerg needed little convincing.

“When I spoke to the people here, I understood how everyone worked and was committed to making the club successful,” the 29-year-old adds. “Everyone works very hard and is passionate. It was difficult to say no. The club showed a lot of interest in me and that made me feel good.”

“The idea is to work hard every day, with the right attitude. Make sure the training sessions are great to win every game. We’ll talk about where we are at the end of the season. The important thing is to prepare well for each weekend.

“Where we are in nine months, we’ll see.

“I’ve already experienced the stadium here once. They are passionate supporters. I feel the importance of the jersey for people from all over the city. This pressure, it makes me smile when I talk about it.

“If you want to be at the highest level, there is inevitably pressure and big expectations.”

Ligue 1 giants raiding England under Roberto de Zerbi

Hojbjerg is the latest English-based player to join Roberto de Zerbi at Marseille.

The 1993 European Champions have already snapped up Mason Greenwood from Manchester United and Ismael Kone from Watford, having attempted to bring in Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah too.

HITC understands, meanwhile, that Marseille also want Norwich City talisman Jonathan Rowe. De Zerbi was in the Brighton dugout when The Seagulls scouted Rowe last season.

“He is a passionate and very talented coach,” Hojbjerg says of De Zerbi. “He puts a lot of pressure (on us). But it is not bad pressure. It is to make the group improve. I feel a coach with a big heart.

“This is only the beginning. I learn a lot with him. I have a good feeling about the coach, the staff and all the people around.”