Lyon tie up Tiago transfer
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Article summary
Olympique Lyonnais have signed Portuguese international Tiago from Chelsea FC, while Brazilian playmaker Juninho Pernambucano has agreed a new contract.
Article body
Essien replacement
Portuguese international Tiago joins on a four-year contract in a €10m deal, and is seen as the perfect replacement for Ghana's Michael Essien, who went in the opposite direction to Stamford Bridge earlier this month. Tiago moved to Chelsea a year ago for €12m from SL Benfica and played 34 games in the London club's English Premiership-winning campaign, scoring four goals. He also appeared in eleven of Chelsea's 12 matches as they reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Juninho committed
The 24-year-old is likely to spearhead Lyon's Champions League challenge from midfield alongside Juninho, who has extended his contract by two years until June 2008. "I think I"ll finish my career here," said the 30-year-old, a Stade Gerland player since June 2001. "I don't want to go elsewhere. I'm appreciated by the fans and have an important challenge ahead in the Champions League." Lyon, who have won the last four Ligue 1 titles, begin their sixth consecutive European Champion Clubs' Cup campaign on 13 September at home to Real Madrid CF.