Friday, 5th July, 2013
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has hit another roadblock in his attempts to sell Bafetimbi Gomis, with the striker claiming he is "far from gone".
Aulas and Lyon have long been aiming for a sale for Gomis, owing to financial considerations, and the France international has not been short of suitors.
Monaco, Cardiff City and Shakhtar Donetsk recently joined early admirers Chelsea and Liverpool, with interest from Swansea City and Newcastle United not ruled out either.
Gomis has been shunted out of pre-season training, and the forward has taken a cheeky shot back at the club that is keen to see the back of him, by stating he will only leave on his own terms.
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"What is certain is that nobody can force me to go where I do not want to go", he told L’Equipe. "And in football nothing is written in stone.
"Today, I may be sidelined but I could also end up starting a game due to injuries or suspensions within the club. I am still an OL player, and I am still far from gone.
"I’m not surprised at [being removed from training but it bothers and disappoints me. I told Jean-Michel Aulas that it was not the best solution.
"I told him to let me train because if I cannot find a club, then I can possibly be reinstated in the team."
The Magpies had been reportedly in the hunt as far back as January this year, with Swansea also joining in recently, but the 27-year-old insists he will not move unless his criteria are met.
"I respect all clubs but I still have the right to decide my destination", he added. "If I cannot find a club that can offer me the assurances that I expect, with the ambition that I have, then I’ll stay.
"I stand ready to help the team. I try to lead by example because I do not forget that I am privileged. And I think I have given a good impression of myself here at Lyon."
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