It’s Official – Gregory Coupet is Leaving Lyon

By: Inara | May 23rd, 2008

This is probably the worst kept secret over the last few days. Gregory Coupet has often been linked with a move abroad in the last few years. However, he never really wanted to leave…until now. We all knew something was up when rumors spread like wildfire after Coupet allegedly told two supporters yesterday that he was leaving. But today, during an interview on OLTV, he confirmed that this Saturday’s Coupe de France final would be his 518th – and last – appearance for Lyon.

But he’s only ever played in France, and he’s never made secret his desire for a foreign adventure before he has to hang up his gloves. And at 35 years of age, it’s now or never.

However, he’s not forcing his way out of the club – Lyon are making it extremely easy for him, but it’s not because they don’t want him. It’s more a reward from Jean-Michel Aulas, who made a deal with Coupet that should he ever want to leave, he could do so, which is why he inserted in a paltry €3m release clause. That means no traumatic transfer negotiations.

And that, at Lyon, is a pretty big deal.

In addition, Lyon have also offered Coupet a position at Lyon as goalkeeper coach when he eventually does retire – regardless of whether he leaves this summer or not. So don’t worry, OL fans. We’ll be getting Coupet back soon enough.

No word yet on where he’ll be going after this. Tottenham is the club that all the papers are talking about, though Coupet has often talked about playing in the MLS. In addition, Arsenal and Milan have also been linked with him.

I doubt anyone can deny how classy Coupet is. He’s one of the world’s top ten goalkeepers, has been with Lyon for 11 years, won many trophies with us, and he has played a key role in making Lyon the power they are today. He’s also France’s #1 goalkeeper (something he should have been during the 2006 World Cup..ahem). His leadership and courage have been an example to all the players on the squad, and he will be deeply missed, not just by his teammates but by the fans as well.

Good luck Greg!

Obligatory youtube compilation:

My favorite Coupet save ever:






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Comments  

  • abb |  May 23rd, 2008 at 1:43 pm

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    hopefully this means we get loris

    Posted from United States

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  • Pride of Lyon |  May 23rd, 2008 at 1:46 pm

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    I think he would have left last year. But the Euro 2008 made him stay. He had more chance of being #1 for France if he stayed in Lyon.

    And Coupet really needed the challenge of playing for France in a world competition.

    Posted from Japan Japan

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  • mrCham |  May 23rd, 2008 at 7:19 pm

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    We will miss you mate! I’m glad that Aulas somehow helps him to fulfill his dream,(to play outside France) with a low release clause. Loris anyone?

    Posted from Sweden Sweden

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  • Drabik |  May 24th, 2008 at 1:25 am

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    What a double save. I rated him highly before, but now…wow!

    Posted from United Kingdom United Kingdom

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  • Jo |  May 24th, 2008 at 1:55 am

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    Good luck and THANK YOU, Greg.
    That will be so weird not seeing you at Tola Vologe, next season.
    We’ll remember everything you did for us.

    Posted from France France

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  • Thierry |  May 24th, 2008 at 4:46 am

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    Do you think we will have Loris for the next season or still Vercoutre ? Each time with Lyon the transfers bring their bad news.

    Posted from United States

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  • OL-fan |  May 24th, 2008 at 6:01 am

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    It will be problems to get a such good keeper as Coupet.
    I hope Lyon can catch up Lloris from Nice or Ustari from Getafe.
    It will be difficult with Lloris because AC Mialn is interessed to.

    Posted from Norway Norway

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  • lefutur |  May 24th, 2008 at 7:20 am

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    a Coupet compilation deserves better music than that.

    Posted from United States United States

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  • Magnusson |  May 24th, 2008 at 8:09 pm

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    If Lyon wants too sompething in the Champions League, I’d try to get Frey instead of Lloris. He is too young in my opinion.

    Posted from France France

    cornercorner

Comments are closed


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