Michel Bastos (30 years old) is officially heading to the Gulf as Lyon confirmed the transfer of the Brazilian midfielder to the Emirati club Al-Ain for four million euros. The move follows Bastos’ loan to the German club Schalke 04 last winter with an option to buy. Bastos expressed a touch of regret, stating that he didn’t want to leave Lyon but understood the financial constraints faced by the club. After three and a half seasons with Lyon, the former Lille player acknowledged that he wouldn’t return to Lyon at the end of his loan due to financial reasons, as explained by President Jean-Michel Aulas. The financial situation is also cited as a reason for the announced departure of Bafé Gomis.
TRANSFER: BASTOS LEAVES LYON DESPITE HIMSELF
