Russia link excited Kallstrom

Lyon star Kim Kallstrom has revealed he was tempted to leave the French club to join Russian giants Rubin Kazan in February.

Time not right, says Lyon midfielder

Lyon star Kim Kallstrom has revealed he was tempted to leave the French club to join Russian giants Rubin Kazan in February. The Swedish playmaker was the subject of a bid prior to the transfer deadline in Russia but Lyon rejected the advances. The offer is thought to have been a financially lucrative one for the 29-year-old - the switch would have reportedly tripled his salary - and Kallstrom has admitted a move intrigued him. "It would surely have been exciting," said the Sweden international. "It would have been a challenge and they are financially stronger than Lyon." But with Lyon having beaten APOEL in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie, Kallstrom feels there is still all to play for this season. "It was not the right timing to leave now," he added. "We have an interesting spring ahead."