Coupet unsure of future

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Lyon goalkeeper Gregory Coupet has confessed he is still puzzled about his future.

The French international is happy at the Stade Gerland but only has a year remaining on his contract with the Ligue 1 champions.

Coupet is planning to meet with Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas this weekend to discuss his situation at the club.

"There is a big question," Coupet said in the French press. "The chairman wants me to stay, and I want to. But actually I am not sure.

"I have one year remaining on my contract.

"Do I leave? Do I stay and become a free agent in 2008? Do we extend? I don't really know what I want.

"Leaving l'OL with that sixth title and try another adventure, I could be tempted. I even thought about playing in New York to experience something new."

Source: Skysports

[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

[alansmithy14]

to me hes not that good anymore

[BlackNess]

no he is a good goalkeeper but he isn't that good to be compared with German Goalkeepers.
Kahn in the age of 37 is better than him ..

[Oliver_Kahn]

"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?"

Did he compared himself with Dino Zoff ?

[Ensis]

I think he just did :

[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