Moussa Dembele left Celtic at the end of the transfer window.
Moussa Dembele has told French outlet Le10Sport that Lyon players persuaded him to join the club before his exit from Celtic.
Dembele left Celtic on transfer deadline day, forcing through a move after making clear his desire to leave.
The two-time Scottish Premiership title winner wanted a new challenge, and Lyon paid £19.7 million to land his signature.
Dembele said: “Before signing, I received a lot of messages and calls from club players. They made me come.”
The striker admission of being ‘tapped up’ is disconcerting, whether it was a deliberate club ploy from Lyon or not.
The France under-21 international added less controversially that Lyon’s history was also a factor in his decision to join.
He said: “We know OL, it’s a historic club. There were some very great players, especially attackers. It is a pride to represent this club. My choice was already made.”
It was the timing of Dembele’s exit which really stung Celtic fans, with the club having no time left to spend the money received.
So far he has had a slow start at his new club.
Dembele has played twice, starting once, was left out of Lyon’s Champions League tie, and is yet to score.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
