Elber admits Lyon quit thoughts

The Brazilian striker struggled to adapt to life in France after arriving from Bayern Munich last summer and his form suffered as a result.

Elber, who has just returned to Lyon for pre-season training, confirmed he will now stay at Stade Gerland and has set his sights on trying to help the club win the UEFA Champions League.

"I must admit, before the end of last season, I really thought of leaving," Elber told L'Equipe.

"I didn't have any trouble with my officials or the fans. But I couldn't identify with the club.

"On a personal level, it was much harder than I expected to adapt to the team's game, the city, the language. I admit my first season at Lyon didn't completely satisfy me.

"Above all, I didn't think it would be so difficult for me.

"During my holidays, I thought about all that and frankly today I feel fine in the group and in my mind.

"I rely a lot on the training period at Tignes to enjoy a good second season at Lyon.

"I hope this time we will reach the Champions League final, like Monaco last season. But we have to win it!"

Elber had been linked with moves to Borussia Dortmund and Qatar, but the striker insists he had no contacts about a move anywhere.

"It was all without foundation, because I didn't have any contact with anyone, neither in Germany or in Spain," added Elber. "My agent confirmed he didn't have any too.

"I am at Lyon 100 percent. And I want to stay until the end of my contract."