Wednesday 12 August 2015 07:32, UK
France international Mathieu Valbuena has signed for Lyon on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 30-year-old forward has joined last season's Ligue 1 runners-up after just one season in the Russian Premier League with Dynamo Moscow.
Valbuena arrived at Dynamo just 12 months ago in a deal though to be around £6m from Marseille. However, the winger is now returning to French football after passing a medical at the Stade de Gerland on Tuesday night.
"I don't regret anything with Dynamo Moscow where everything went well the first season but for my second year, the sporting objectives were no longer in line with what I wanted," said Valbuena.
"We know Lyon's level after a very good 2015 season and also qualifying for the Champions League. All that played a role in my decision.
"I'm delighted to join Lyon. I arrive with a lot of humility and ambition to win titles, to bring experience.
"I was keen to return to France and with the interest shown by Lyon, I jumped at the chance."
Valbuena, who has made 48 international appearances for France, hopes the move back to his homeland will increase his chances of making Didier Deschamps' Euro 2016 squad.
"Obviously a European Championship or a World Cup is something very important. The French team, I've never denied it is my engine," said Valbuena.
"It's something very important to play for your country. I didn't hesitate a single second to return with so many objectives for this year which looks like being very exciting."
