Malouda confirms imminent Lyon departure

France midfielder Florent Malouda, seen here, has said he is on the brink of leaving six-times French champions Lyon.

France midfielder Florent Malouda said Thursday he is on the brink of leaving six-times French champions Lyon.

Speaking during training with France ahead of Saturday's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Ukraine, Malouda said there was no chance he would be left disappointed at the end of the close season break, having set his heart on a move abroad.

"I'm on my way out. I've spoken to the (Lyon) president (Jean-Michel Aulas). I was clear, I've told him the clubs that interest me.

"For me, I'm going to go and I won't be disappointed."

Malouda would not be drawn on where his likely destination will be, despite speculation linking him to Champions League finalists Liverpool.

"It's not certain that it will be Liverpool after Lyon, it's not as advanced as that," he said.

"Liverpool are a very good club. Have I any preference to a particular country? No, that depends on the desire of the club that wants me.

"The Italian championship was run down this season but at the end it was an Italian club that won the Champions League (AC Milan)."

The left-winger said he was not worried about Aulas pricing him out of the market, despite a valuation of 25 million euros being placed on him by the Lyon president.

"It was 25 million euros but in a week it could be 35 million euros," he said.

"When it comes to negotiating, Mr Aulas is very strong. For me it's just a question of time."