The 32-year-old French star re-joined the club on loan at the beginning of January, and has little intention of returning to Old Trafford after being frozen out by Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I really would like to finish my career in Marseille," said the erratic 'keeper.

"I like the region and the club."

Barthez has been training with Marseille since the early Autumn after falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson towards the end of last season. However, the World Cup winner was not allowed to join the French outfit until January under Uefa rules, but is now back playing and is thoroughly enjoying life in his homeland.

The French international spent two seasons as first choice 'keeper at Old Trafford and brought a level of consistency to the goalkeeping position which had not been there since Peter Schmichel's departure. Things turned sour for Barthez though, with a series of clumsy errors costing United points and the ageing 'keeper found himself dropped in the title run-in of last season.

With Barthez not even playing for the reserves at Old Trafford, moving to Marseille was an opportunity he jumped at with his place as French number one in jeopardy whilst he was doing nothing in Manchester.

Marseille is a club where Barthez lifted the European Cup in 1993, and he is clearly delighted to be back, adding: "When I first heard that I could come here I was extremely excited and motivated.

"I first came in Marseille at the age of 20 and I learnt everything here.

"I experienced so many things here that it helped me go through various situations afterwards."

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