Malouda Sees Chelsea Move As A 'Certainty'
Lyon's French international winger Florent Malouda is now sure he will soon be joining Chelsea.
he midfielder claims that he has already agreed personal terms with the Premiership side, and has informed Lyon manager Alain Perrin of his decision.
Malouda is not planning to join up with his Lyon team-mates for pre-season training, and says he is now just waiting for the two clubs to finalise the deal for his transfer.
He told the Daily Star: "It is certain. Lyon will not have me as a player next season and the manager knows it and there is no challenge with the club.
"I am in agreement with Chelsea and the clubs have been negotiating for a month. I hope they find an agreement.
"Lyon will return to training on the 9th (of July) but I will not be with them and the manager knows my decision. There is no argument."
Although Malouda has also been linked with a possible move to Premiership rivals Liverpool, and revealed that has held talks with both Jose Mourinho and Reds' manger Rafael Benitez, he said he could not reach an agreement with Benitez and that he is now determined to join Chelsea.
"Choosing Chelsea is not merely about sport - not only because Didier Drogba is there, but also I have spoken with Mourinho and he understands me," Malouda explained.
"I had the permission of Lyon to talk with him and there were also talks with Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, but no agreement."
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed that he will allow Malouda to leave provided Lyon receive an acceptable offer.
"We will help him to leave if we get offers to the level we are expecting but if there are not any such offers he will stay," Aulas told the club's official website.
Goal.com