Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Lyon rocked as legend dumped into reserves and demands to leave 'as soon as possible'

Lyon have been rocked ahead of their Europa League showdown with Rangers after keeper Anthony Lopes - their longest-serving player - lashed out at the club after he was dumped from the team.

Rangers face the Ligue 1 side tomorrow at Ibrox after getting off to an excellent start in their campaign with a win over Malmo in Sweden.

Lyon have got off to an indifferent start to their league campaign although they too won their first game in the Europa League last month.

But their long-term Portuguese international keeper Lopes - who has made almost 500 appearances for the club - is outraged at being dumped to the reserves and relegated to fourth choice keeper.

And he's not happy at his treatment after 12 years at the club.


Read more:


He said: "I don't understand any of this and I have not had any explanation for it.

"I have not been criticised personally for my performances. No one has told me anything. No one warned me that my place was in jeopardy.

"It's extremely difficult for me to accept.

"I'm not in the squad at all. I have to accept the situation. I have no other choice available to me.

"If I had been told this before I would have left the club long ago.

"I am available to play if needed and it's an extremely frustrating sporting situation for me.

"If not, I want a new challenge as soon as possible."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.