New Lyon signing Jean-Alain Boumsong has revealed that it was aspirations of winning his place back in the France squad that helped him decide to move to the Stade Gerland.

Was joining Lyon a priority for you?

J-A. B: Absolutely. I've wanted to play for Lyon for years. So when the opportunity to join OL came about, I didn't hesitate. I'm very lucky. I'm can't wait to get on the pitch.

What do you like about the club?

J-A. B: There are sometimes things which you feel but can't explain. Well before Lyon started to do well, I always wanted to play for this club. I feel at home here and the team has always contested for titles.

Were you scared that the transfer was going to fall through because Juventus pushed the deal back?

J-A. B: Honestly, I wasn't scared. But I would have been very disappointed if it hadn't gone through. I talked with people from Lyon and I felt a real determination on their part to get me. That is what reassured me. The transfer was a bit of an epic, but the outcome suited everyone. That was the most important thing. Juventus simply tried to recruit someone before making my departure official.

Would you have finished the season with Juventus if OL had not approached you?

J-A. B: Yes, I would have stayed at Juventus. I felt good there. With some hard work, I would have shown everyone that I was good enough to play there.

What are your ambitions with OL?

J-A. B: Above anything else, to play but also to enjoy myself and to give the best I can. Collectively, our goal is to win another French title. There is also the Coupe de France which the club has not won for years and let's not forget the Champions League. I am also going to try to win a place in the France squad for Euro 2008.

Do you not feeling you're playing catch-up with the other members of the France squad?

J-A. B: What I know, in regard to my experience in the world of football, is that things can move very quickly, for better or for worse. Two years ago, I played practically every World Cup qualifier. But in the end, I only played one minute during the competition in Germany. I have to work hard if I am to win a place in the squad for Euro 2008. It is not just because I have signed for OL that I will play again for Les Bleus. I must, above all else, play well.

Eurosport