Fred Returns, Valencia is a Pain in the A$$, Nino Wins

By: Inara | August 1st, 2007

I confess that I wasn’t expecting Fred to come back today. I really thought he’d present another lame excuse like “I have to feed my neighbor’s cat.”

But he proved me wrong, and I’m glad he did. He came back last night, accompanied by Bernard Lacombe (perhaps handcuffed - Nanard has a strange sense of humor). No word yet on whether his family will live with him in France (they better!)

Fred’s “fall from grace” in January was because his wife couldn’t handle living in Lyon and left for Brazil, which left Fred pining over her and his baby daughter. He was so wrapped up in his misery that he became Lyon’s most miserable player.

Even though he’s walking around now with the aid of crutches, he showed up for the official team photo session.

Here is his interview (read the original in French here).

How do you feel?
I am glad to be back but I need time to look after myself. It is necessary to wear the splint for another ten to fifteen days before starting training again. I hope to be able to play my first match in September.

Was it so important to return to Brazil to be taken care of?
Yes it was very important. I was able to remain in the company of my family, of my friends.

Will you meet President Jean-Michel Aulas?
Yes. I must speak with the president to take care of a small problem. I hope to fix it as soon as possible to remain in Lyon and to continue in peace.

Are you always motivated with the idea of playing for Lyon?
Yes. I am motivated to play well this season here and in others. I have confidence. I am happy in Lyon and I hope to remain here.

What reception did you receive from your fellow players?
They had a celebration in the locker room with me. It was good to see everyone. I hope to play with them as soon as possible. I have much work to do to play.

Did you talk with Alain Perrin this morning?
Yes. I spoke a little with him. He is a big manager who gained the French Cup with Sochaux.

What are your objectives this season? Is your return too late to let to you hope for the title of best striker?
No. It is not too late, but my first objective is to recover from my fracture in order to continue.

In the beginning of the season, the OL played with two attackers. How do you judge this system of play?
It is very good! It is better for the attacker who will no longer play all alone.

TRANSFER GOSSIP:

Now that the prodigal son has returned, the club can turn to more important matters, such as Valencia’s absolute stubbornness on getting Kim Kallstrom.

Their manager has gone so far to say that Kallstrom would be better than Lucho Gonzales because Kallstrom is “a player with personality, who creates chances for his teammates. There’s many good players, but at the crucial moment, not so many have what it takes. [Lucho] is a player confused by his position. He is not an inner right, he is not a midfielder, he is not a striker. He is a little of everything and we needed something that is more concrete. With his price, we could not waste time in adapting him to the position.”

Lyon have denied any interest in selling Kallstrom, with his manager confirming, but some Spanish sources claim that Valencia have upped their bid to €14m and are giving Lyon 48 hours to accept. They also claim Kallstrom wants to join them.

Lyon better not accept - L1 starts in 3 days.

Jose Antonio Reyes turned us down for Atletico Madrid. I’m crying on the inside. Really I am.

For those of you who thought that Jean-Michel Aulas was too mighty to be set back by a mere human being, Sylvain Wiltord is here to prove you wrong. Wiltord, who was told he had no future in Lyon and should do his best to find a new club as soon as possible, had a deal wrapped up with Rennes. This in turn would lighten Lyon’s wage bill (Wiltord is the club’s third highest earner), would mean some form of compensation for Lyon since Wiltord has another year left on his contract, and would also clear up a spot for another attacker.

But what does Nino do? Turn down Rennes to see out his contract at Lyon, thereby ruining the club’s plans. Perrin informed Wiltord that he was behind Keita and Govou in the pecking order, which was fine with Nino because he’ll still be earning a fat paycheck and can piss Aulas off while he’s at it. He also knows that he’s too good of a player for Perrin to ignore indefinitely and will still see a good amount of playing time.

However, Jean-mimi seems intent on having the last word and is still searching for a club that will take Wiltord off his hands. The battle is still continuing because Wiltord was the only one absent from today’s photo session…