[Mighty T.A.L.]

Coupet signs Lyon deal

Gregory Coupet has finally agreed a contract extension with Lyon, committing his future to the club until 2010.

The France keeper, 34, had reservations about a new deal with the Ligue 1 champions, suggesting he may prefer a move to a club in England, Spain or Italy.

However, he then told the club he would sign - but only if he was handed a three-year deal.

And, after long negotiations, Coupet announced at a press conference that a new contract had been signed.

"I have extended my contract for three years," he said. "It has been long and difficult.

"For the first time, I was scared to remain with the club for too long, or to miss out on the chance to play abroad, but the words of the club officials moved me, and it is good to stay at home.

"But it is not a way to get comfortable. It is anything but a lack of ambition.

"What made me think about leaving? The end of last season - being forced to apologise because we were 'just' champions. That was incredible. That was difficult to take."

And Coupet signalled his intention to continue playing beyond this contract, which will expire when he is 37.

"It is not my last contract. Dino Zoff was a champion as a 40-year-old. Why not set a new record?"

Meanwhile, Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas claims the club are close to agreeing deals for Lille duo Abdul Kader Keita and Mathieu Bodmer.

"The discussions are close to being settled, but some things are yet to be confirmed," he said.

"Nothing should be announced before the weekend."

Source: Skysports