Yoann Gourcuff insists he was never looking to leave Lyon during the summer transfer window after being chased by Arsenal.
Playmaker looking forward to returning after ankle injury
Yoann Gourcuff insists he was never looking to leave Lyon during the summer transfer window after being chased by Arsenal.
Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has claimed he knocked back an approach from the Gunners, who were looking for a creative addition following the sales of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas.
Reports have claimed that Arsene Wenger will try again for the France international in January, but Gourcuff says he wants to stay at Lyon following a difficult first season at Stade Gerland.
"I never had any desire to leave l'OL," Gourcuff told
Le Monde.
"I had a frustrating first season. When I joined l'OL I was welcomed as a hero, but I was not prepared for such enthusiasm.
"I was not at ease because I am a reserved man. I am keen on the collective and I could not make the difference all on my own."
Shock
The playmaker is now looking to make an impact for Lyon this term after returning to fitness following a lengthy spell out with an ankle injury.
He added: "I am now available to play. I will need time to get back to my best level.
"When I got injured, I didn't miss football. With the high pace of matches I felt I could not breathe anymore. That break allowed me to step back from events, notably last season.
"However, that injury was a shock, a changing of life. Moreover, my ankle is still stiffer than the other one."
