Andre-Pierre Gignac has defended his decision to snub Lille at the last minute.
Andre-Pierre Gignac has defended his decision to snub Lille at the last minute to sign for Toulouse.Upon quitting Lorient it was expected the striker would sign for Lille, having agreed to the switch both verbally and in terms of signing a preliminary deal.
However, in a last minute change of heart, in a turn of events that has enraged Lille, Gignac moved to Toulouse instead.
In the face of vociferous criticism, Gignac has explained the reasons for his actions, citing a lack of reassurance from Lille coach Claude Puel as a major factor in his snubbing of their overtures.
"The document I signed with Lille was only a protocol," Gignac told RTL. "I was to sign for Lille. However, there has been offers I could not refuse.
"I want to say the matter is not financial, I earn less with Toulouse than with Lille.
"(Toulouse coach Elie Baup) called me a number of times and told me how he wanted to use me.
"I am still waiting for Claude Puel's phone call. I apologise to Lille but it is their fault because they haven't rung to reassure me."
Lille chairman Michel Seydoux, on the contrary to Gignac's claims, believes the player has acted unethically.
"Our adventures make some things bearable and others unbearable," Seydoux told RMC.
"As long as I will be with Lille, my dealings will be respected. I won't tell all the details because it concerns the league's commission.
"We had a written document from the player and an agreement with him. It's something I don't accept. Rules have been ridiculed."
Meanwhile, Lille could face a battle to keep hold of defender Mathieu Chalme, after Bordeaux expressed an interest in the 26-year-old.
"Indeed, Mathieu Chalme is a player we are interested in but we have other targets," confirmed Bordeaux chairman Jean-Louis Triand.
