The jump from Championship football to Ligue 1 inspired Jonathan Rowe to leave Norwich City for Marseille.

The winger moved to southern France on an initial loan earlier this month with an obligation to buy, effectively ending a long association with the Canaries in controversial circumstances.

He had told City head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup that he wasn't 'motivated' to play just hours before their season opener against Oxford United, prompting fury from the fans who once adored him.

He's entirely focused on his new life with Les Olympiques, however, and says he hopes to hit the ground running under Roberto De Zerbi.

"I believe this is a step up from the Championship, it's one of the top leagues in the world," he said. "I'm an ambitious character I'd say, and seeing this opportunity come about, I wanted to take it with both hands.

"I think every player's approach to new challenges is different. Some people take longer to get into their groove than others.

"I would say myself I just want to prepare myself mentally before arriving and performing. As long as I do that and I trust in the process and trust in myself, I believe great things can happen."

Marseille's considerable size was a key factor in the 21-year-old's decision to join them, and he hopes to help take the former champions of Europe back to their previous heights.

"I've always known that Marseille is a very big club all across Europe," Rowe continued. "I know the ambitions of this club and where it needs to belong. I took that as a challenge and decided to come here.

"I knew that Marseille's fans were magnificent, and that it could be overwhelming sometimes for players. But that's the kind of pressure I thrive on.

"I think it's down to us players to turn that into positive play on the pitch. Being greeted at the airport and announced at the velodrome, it was something special."