Ghana striker Jordan Ayew has revealed he was close to signing for Nice before a late twist swung the deal in Lorient's favour.
Ayew had been declared surplus to requirements by new Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa and had to look elsewhere.
The 22-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Brittany club and leaves Marseille after making more than 100 league appearances for the club.
"I'm going to be honest: I'd given my word to Nice," Ayew told BeIN Sports' The Ligue 1 Show.
"But Nice couldn't strike an agreement with Marseille and I didn't want to wait too long because I didn't want to miss the start of the season."
He will make his Ligue 1 debut for Nice
Jordan impressed during a six-month loan at Sochaux last season where he scored five goals in 17 ligue 1 matches.