Lyon were celebrating last night after fighting off competition from Manchester United to sign promising young full-back Thimothee Kolodziecziak from Lens.
The 17-year-old starlet has joined the Ligue 1 champions on loan with the option of a permanent deal at the end of his spell at the Stade Gerland.
Kolodziecziak claims United were also chasing his signature but chose Les Gones “for personal and sporting reasons.”
“Lyon wanted me more than Manchester United and immediately put their faith in me,” the France Under-17 international said.
“With Manchester, talks dragged along whereas with Lyon, everything happened very quickly.
“It is a sporting decision, even though I have spent 10 fantastic years at Lens.
“It is a great moment for me but I am staying calm about it all. I know I have to work hard now.
“One of my aims for the season is to make some appearances in the team.”
Kolodziecziak will play second fiddle to first-choice left-back Fabio Grosso.
