Gomis cools Lyon departure speculation

Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis will only leave for a club which matches his ambitions.

The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to Swansea after being frozen out at Lyon following a disagreement with boss Remi Garde.

However the France international has refused to be forced out of the club, insisting he will only move when and where it is right for him.

“Did I refuse Swansea? I have respect for all the clubs, but I can still choose my destination, can’t I?” Gomis told L’Equipe.

“I want to choose but without constraint, even if I have been offered better conditions than in Lyon.

“It is not a financial matter to me. The first year, Lyon found an agreement with Fenerbahce, but it didn’t prevent me from refusing. This time it is different, it is the very first time the coach told the press he doesn’t rely on me.”

While Gomis remains intent on standing his ground, an exit from the Stade de Gerland still seems likely due to the relations between he and Garde.

“He didn’t call me. It is not the most polite thing to do to a player who scored about 50 goals since you have been in charge. I think I deserve a bit more consideration,” he continued.

“If I can’t find a club that could offer me the guarantees I am expecting, which has the ambition I am looking for, I will stay. I will be ready to help the team.

“I will work to be ready to help if they call me. However, nobody will force me to go where I don’t want to go, that is for sure. I am still at Lyon, and I am far from having already left.”

Gomis has been banned from taking part in pre-season training for Lyon in Tignes, with the striker forced to appeal to club president Jean-Michel Aulas for a return.