Jean-Michel Aulas, chairman of Lyon estimates Tuesday in France Football that Michael Essien will remain in Lyon the next season " at 99%". "I have been considering the draft contract indicates Michael will remain at OL until 2008. Juninho gave an agreement of principle (to also prolong him). That does not mean that they are unstransferable but I think that Michael will not leave".
At 22 the Ghanaian is one of the best players in Europe in his position. He arouses the interest of clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid or Juventus for a commercial value estimated at 25 million euros, him which was bought from Bastia 11 75 million euros in 2003.
The Lyon president specifies that he will propose with the board of directors of the OL to fix the envelope of recruitment for 2005-2006 between 20 and 40 million euros. "We are going to work with Paul (Le Guen) over the following season "moreover the president states Lyonese are unaware if the trainer will agree to prolong with a sound contract."
"If Michael goes away, in my opinion, it will be that inevitably Juventus, Manchester or Real Madrid made him a better proposal says he. I would be disappointed that he goes goes away but if goes to Real Madrid I would be proud. As I was proud when Jacques Santini left for the France national team. That counts for me: one does not leave Lyon to go to OM orwith the PSG, "its just like a tacle a player slips on his opponent" .
