Houssem Aouar on his Lyon departure: “I had imagined it differently and much earlier.” | OneFootball

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·7 June 2023

Houssem Aouar on his Lyon departure: “I had imagined it differently and much earlier.”

Article image:Houssem Aouar on his Lyon departure: “I had imagined it differently and much earlier.”

Leaving a boyhood club is never easy, but it certainly felt like it was a difficult decision for Houssem Aouar. Born and raised in Lyon, he went through the academy and made a very good impression in his first seasons.

Unfortunately, his time has come to an end. As initially revealed by Get French Football News, the Algerian midfielder will be joining AS Roma shortly, after coming to the end of his contract at Olympique Lyonnais. He will be hoping to relaunch his career, which has somewhat dwindled over the past few months.


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On his social media channels, the player published a heartfelt message for the city, the club and the fans. “This is an open letter to the club for which my heart beats and will always beat… This club is evidently Olympique Lyonnais”.

This iconic team has always made me dream, from my youngest age (…) 14 years of laughter, emotion, victories, learning, hard work but also some disappointments. It is time to turn the page and open a new chapter of my story”.

This departure, I had imagined it differently and much earlier. It is a wish I had 3 years ago, in 2020. But the mere wish of a player is not always enough to decide his future. However, one day, the truth will shed light on the ego wars that prevented any agreement from being concluded. My soul and my supporters need this transparency. One thing at a time, and everyone in their place,” he said in a not-so-thinly-veiled criticism of the club’s decision not to sell him. Lyon retained him even with big offers following his incredible performances during the Final 8 in Lisbon.

For now, it is with a heavy heart that I bid you farewell. Never will I be able to thank you enough for all the love you have given me. I owe everything to this city which saw me grow, to this club and to our Gones”.

Aouar also thanked the president, the managers and the coaches he had during his time in Lyon. Aouar also thanked his teammates, without whom the adventure would have been very different.

He signs off by saying, “My greatest encounter was you… our supporters. The Lyonnais and their legendary fervour. Thank you for your burning passion, your unerring support and your unwavering love. I will always be behind you. Forever Lyonnais in body and heart… Sincerely, your Houssem”.

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