Marseille new boy Fernando Morientes claims he jumped at the chance to be reunited with Didier Deschamps.

Morientes played under Deschamps, the new coach of Marseille, during the 2003/04 season when he spent a year on loan from Real Madrid at Ligue 1 side Monaco at Stade Velodrome.

During that time the striker built up a great relationship with Deschamps as the principality club reached the final of the Champions League, losing 3-0 to Porto.

And Morientes is delighted to be linking up with him again.

"Didier called me on Wednesday and that was the trigger even though I had another offer," he said as he was presented today.

"It's easier because I know Didier Deschamps well.

"What's most important is to start working with the group and the coach.

"I hope to win some titles with OM."

Morientes, who has also played for Albacete, Real Zaragoza and Liverpool, has not trained since being released by Valencia at the end of last season.

However, the former Spain striker believes he will be fully fit in time for the new season.

"I have stopped for two months but I hope to be good in two weeks, fit in quickly and bring my qualities," continued Morientes.

"At 33 years old I have a lot of experience, I can bring a lot on the pitch and in the dressing room."

OM also brought in Lorient midfielder Fabrice Abriel yesterday, taking their summer signings to nine, after Lucho Gonzalez, Stephane Mbia, Souleymane Diawara, Edouard Cisse, Cyril Rool, Elinton Andrade and Charley Fomen.

And the 30-year-old, who trained with his new team-mates for the first time last night, is delighted to have signed for the Ligue 1 giants.

"I'm relieved to have completed my transfer and to have joined such a prestigious club who will have huge aims this season," Abriel told www.om.net.

"My choice is motivated by the competitions we will compete in this year with the championship and the European Cup.

"All this means that OM will allow me to progress.

"Moreover, there is a fervour around the club which adds to my desire."

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Meanwhile, president Jean-Claude Dassier confirmed that OM are set to play their first home game of the season at Montpellier.

The Velodrome is currently closed while an investigation is carried out into the fatal accident that occurred during the Madonna concert on July 16.

Lille turned down Marseille's request to switch the August 16 match to their ground and play the return fixture at the Velodrome, and OM coach Didier Deschamps has no desire to delay what will be the second game of the season.

"You have to respect the sporting wishes, of Didier Deschamps, which is to play," said Dassier. "So we will do and, apart from divine intervention, it won't be at the Velodrome.

"We will probably play at Montpellier."

Reports in France suggest three more of Marseille's home fixtures could be affected but Dassier is confident the Velodrome will be reopened in time for the clash against champions Bordeaux on August 30.