Football: Tuiloma signs Marseille deal

Bill Tuiloma has signed a three year pro deal with Marseille. Photo / Getty

All Whites midfielder Bill Tuiloma has signed a three-year deal with French Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille.

The 20-year-old Tuiloma, captain of the New Zealand side at the recent FIFA U-20 World Cup and also a member of the Men's U-23 side, joined the club in 2013 and made his first team debut in February against Stade Rennes.

Tuiloma, who has played eight times for the All Whites since making his international debut in 2013, told the Marseille website he is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"I'm very happy to be here," Tuiloma said.

"I think it's a good signing for me for three years and I'm proud to be here.

"My ambition is obviously to be in the starting eleven and be in the team for the important games."

All Whites and Men's U-23 coach Anthony Hudson said Tuiloma's deal is just reward for a player truly dedicated to becoming the best he can be.

"This is great news for Bill and I'm sure it's a very proud moment for both him and his family," Hudson said.

"He has worked incredibly hard to reach this point and he thoroughly deserves it. The next step for him now is getting into the first team on a regular basis."