Boumsong: I'm Happy To Be At Lyon; Now To Get More Caps Speaking to L'Equipe, new Lyon arrival Jean-Alain Boumsong has declared himself delighted to be with Les Gones, and has set his sights on a return to the national team...
Boumsong: I'm Happy To Be At Lyon; Now To Get More Caps
French international defender Jean-Alain Boumsong spoke to L'Equipe about his arrival at Olympique Lyonnais.
"I'm very pleased to have signed for the largest French club, and one of the top European ones, too," he said.
"I'm also glad to be back in France after three and a half years abroad. I've always monitored Ligue 1 in that time, as it's a quality league.
"In short, I'm happy to be here, and I never doubted the successful outcome of the negotiations."
For the onlooker, though, that was far from certain, as Juventus appeared to pick up a case of cold feet prior to his move.
However, Boumsong explained, "I felt a lot of determination from [Lyon coach] Alain Perrin, [club advisor] Bernard Lacombe, and president [Jean-Michel] Aulas. I think they also felt mine.
"I would have been very disappointed had it not gone through.
"Wages? Yes, I made financial concessions because I wanted to return home, and to play for Les Bleus. In life, you must make choices. Here, I had to find pleasure, and here I will find it. Between the French league and the Champions League, there is much to do."
On the subject of Les Bleus and a potential return to the national squad, he said, "I don't come here having already conquered it. I must show that I'm worthy of it. There are some months to go before the Euros, and I believe in the value of my work, and that I'll show it.
"I want to play in that competition, I have profound hopes of doing so, and thus I need to put in good performances with OL.
"But competition? Yes, this happens with any great club. There will be four candidates [Squillaci, Cris, Cleber Anderson] for two places. But competition, when it's healthy and fair, is always beneficial.
"I know what awaits me. We need to roll up our sleeves and work. I also want to progress."
After his continental wanderings, Boumsong was eager to return home, but said that his experience with Rangers, Newcastle United and Juve was vital.
"It's a journey that I wish everyone could have," he sighed.
"It wasn't all perfect, but it helped me learn about a new footballing culture. No matter what happens, that will serve me both as a footballer and in my life as a man."
Goal.com
WOW i very balanced and mature opinion, i wish he was as balanced and complete as a player too, anyways, good luck Boumsong!