Gregory Coupet has finally agreed a contract extension
with Lyon, committing his future to the club until
2010.
The France keeper, 34, had reservations about a new deal with the
Ligue 1 champions, suggesting he may prefer a move to a club in
England, Spain or Italy.
However, he then told the club he would sign - but only if he was
handed a three-year deal.
And, after long negotiations, Coupet announced at a press
conference that a new contract had been signed.
"I have extended my contract for three years," he said. "It has
been long and difficult.
"For the first time, I was scared to remain with the club for too
long, or to miss out on the chance to play abroad, but the words of
the club officials moved me, and it is good to stay at home.
"But it is not a way to get comfortable. It is anything but a lack
of ambition.
"What made me think about leaving? The end of last season - being
forced to apologise because we were 'just' champions. That was
incredible. That was difficult to take."
And Coupet signalled his intention to continue playing beyond this
contract, which will expire when he is 37.
"It is not my last contract. Dino Zoff was a champion as a
40-year-old. Why not set a new record?"
Meanwhile, Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas claims the club are
close to agreeing deals for Lille duo Abdul Kader Keita and Mathieu
Bodmer.
"The discussions are close to being settled, but some things are
yet to be confirmed," he said.
"Nothing should be announced before the weekend."
