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Marseille defender Hilton has refuted suggestions that he is set to leave the club and has said he wants to stay and fight for his place.

The Brazilian was touted as a key signing when he arrived at Stade Velodrome from Lens in the summer of 2008 but has not fulfilled the expectations placed on him.

Marseille coach Didier Deschamps signed Souleymane Diawara and Gabriel Heinze in the close season transfer window to effectively confine Hilton to the bench, but he is adamant that he wants to battle for his place.

"Earlier this season, I wanted to return to Brazil, but, honestly, this decision was linked to my personal family situation," he told France Football.

"Now I do not think of leaving any more, and I have made that clear to Jose [Anigo, the club's sporting director].

"I do not want to join another club in the transfer window. It makes no sense when you're with Marseille."

The 32-year-old defender has been repeatedly linked with a move to Nice, but he insists that a move to the Stade du Ray does not interest him.

"Didier [Deschamps] told me earlier in the season, 'Don't let go, I count on you," he said.

Diawara sustained an injury on international duty, while Heinze is set to return home late from a long trip to South America midweek which could finally hand Hilton the opportunity he has been seeking.

Eurosport