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Florian Thauvin has claimed that a lack of first-team opportunities forced him to quit Newcastle United’s relegation battle.

The player signed on loan with Marseille until the end of the season, but has vowed to come back to St James’ Park stronger for his painful experience.

However, after just three Premier League starts the winger has explained he had little choice but to make the move back to France.

Thauvin told the French media: “It is true that I did not expect to return so soon, especially as early, six months later.

“But I had the opportunity, I had a lack of playing time so I thought it was a very good thing for me.

“It’s a pleasure to return to Marseille. Everyone knows my attachment to Marseille, I have never hidden that.

“I am anyway very happy to be here to live this second adventure.”

Thauvin’s loan expires at the end of the season, but Marseille did not arrange a buy-back clause so the winger will get a second chance at Newcastle.

Marseille face an away trip to Montpellier tonight with Thauvin expected to make an appearance in the Ligue 1 clash.

Head coach Michel had said: “This is not a player I had asked, but a good player is welcome.”