Briand ready to fight for Lyon

Published Jun. 16, 2010 10:28 a.m. ET

foxsports

New Lyon signing Jimmy Briand has promised to continue playing like a "warrior" after completing his switch from Rennes today.

Briand put pen to paper on a four-year deal at the Stade de Gerland, bringing to an end months of speculation.

The 24-year-old, who missed much of last season through injury, has been linked with a move away from the Route de Lorient for the past two years.

Briand admits he was almost tempted by a move to Ligue 1 champions Marseille before eventually being convinced otherwise by Lyon coach Claude Puel and the board.

"I felt that everyone here really wanted me," he said. "It's true that I hesitated a bit because I am at a turning point in my career, but Lyon was my number one choice.

"It's a great joy to find myself at Lyon. They are the biggest French team. Lyon are still the club of the noughties. I am here to help them regain the title.

"More pressure? That doesn't bother me. It's what I need to continue to progress. I want to grow after Rennes.

"I will continue to play with my spirit of a warrior. I will do everything to score a lot of goals and give you (the fans) joy."

Lyon have paid Rennes six million euros for Briand - the cost of his release clause.

Briand has progressed through the ranks at Rennes since joining their youth team from the famous Clairefontaine academy in 2001.

The striker suffered a horrific injury in March 2009 while on France duty as he ruptured a ligament in his left knee in training in a clash with Cedric Carrasso.