[Mighty T.A.L.]

Coupet: I need long-term deal

Lyon keeper Gregory Coupet admits his future is still up in the air despite entering negotiations on a new three-year deal.

Coupet recently told the club he may seek a fresh challenge elsewhere after winning his sixth Ligue 1 title, but now claims he would like to stay after goalkeeping coach Joel Bats committed his future to the club.

However, the 34-year-old says if Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas does not hand him a long-term contract, he will start looking for a move away.

"I am under contract for one more year," he told football365.fr.

"It is up to Mr Aulas to decide. I could complete this last season without complaining.

"For the moment, there is nothing concrete regarding a contract extension.

"My most important question was about Joel Bats. Now that I know he is staying, I don't want to leave.

"Lyon asked me about my motivation. We are negotiating on the basis of a three-year deal. I told them I was motivated enough to play until 2040! Are they ready to invest in me until the age of 37?

"I want a simple statement: they sign me for three more years or they transfer me. I could also stay for the final year to give them time to find a replacement."

Coupet claims that other countries in Europe are more willing to gamble on older players, and feels he may be forced to leave France as a result.

"The French mentality is a problem. We don't extend the contracts of 36 or 37-year-old players. It doesn't exist.

"Most of them are abroad. I think that the other leagues are more open to mature players and that I would feel more comfortable there.

"There is England, Spain, Germany. Honestly, I am open. Dino Zoff was a world champion at the age of 40, so why should I not continue until that age?"

Source: Skysports