Why I want to rejoin Lyon – Lacazette after leaving Arsenal

Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has confirmed he has taken a pay-cut ahead of a swift return to Olympique Lyonnais on a free transfer.

The Frenchman confirmed his departure earlier this week, leaving the club following the expiration of his contract.

With numerous offers said to have been at his disposal, Lacazette opted for a Lyon comeback on a three-year-deal, just five years after heading for North London for a fee of approximately £50 million.

Announced today as Lyon’s second signing of the season, the 31-year-old, previously on a reported £180,000-a-week contract at Arsenal, revealed he agreed to reduce his salary in order to join up with his old team.

Speaking at his unveiling, earlier this morning, Lacazette stated that his “love for the club was enough” to convince him to agree terms with the club where he scored 129 in 275 appearances, adding that “the project is also very important.”

The striker will have his sights set on bringing Champions League football back to Groupama Stadium, having previously admitted back in April that he misses the competition at a time where the Gunners chased qualification of their own.

After failing to qualify in the red and white of Arsenal throughout his five-year-stay, Lacazette is now hoping to take his new club over the line after they stumbled to an 8th-place finish in Ligue 1, last season.

“I took my time making the decision to return. Football is a beautiful job. It was difficult to watch Lyon from a distance last season and not be able to help them,” the 31-year-old said.

“I hope that this period is over and we can re-find a strong Lyon. The objective is certainly to help the club get back to the top and achieve European qualification.”

Lacazette concluded his Arsenal chapter with 71 goals in 206 appearances across all competitions.