Govou ´didn´t hesitate´ choosing Evian

Evian striker Sidney Govou said he joined the newly promoted Ligue 1 club because he was so impressed with them.

Govou spent last season with Greek giants Panathinaikos but struggled for first-team football.

The 32-year-old was released just one year into a three-year deal in Greece, with the former Lyon star expected to sign for one of the biggest names in French football.

But it was Ligue 1 new boys Evian who snapped up his signature, a decision that surprised many.

“I could have gone to a club overseas,” Govou said. “I could have waited a bit longer to see what came up. But that’s how I work.”

“The first contact I had with the club was good, everything was very clear with the directors. I have to say that I didn’t hesitate very long at all before signing on.”

“Everyone has the impression that it’s a small club, in terms of how it functions (but) everything is very clear and well organised.”

The Ligue 1 newcomers are unbeaten after two matches with a win and a draw, but Govou insists the club’s priority is avoiding relegation.

“I’m interested in is performing well and helping the team to beat the drop, because that’s our primary objective this season,” he said.

“If I can set up a lot of goals, then so much the better, but if I set up fewer goals and help us to avoid conceding, then better still.”