An agreement has been reached between Olympique Lyonnais and OM for the transfer of Hatem Ben Arfa. Pape Diouf's reaction.

During the presentation of Vitorino Hilton to the Press on Wednesday morning, Pape Diouf officially announced that a deal had been reached with Lyon  for the transfer of Hatem Ben Arfa to OM. «The negociations were difficult as the boy is a young international, a player that has graced our League with his class and talent. We are extremely happy to have reached an agreement with Lyon» indicated the President explaining that the discussions had taken place «at two levels», firstly between the administrative directors of the two clubs, Julien Fournier for OM, and Marino Faccioli, for OL, then between himself and Jean-Michel Aulas. «I’m often asked what I think about Jean-Michel Aulas and I have to admit he was very open, it’s maybe thanks to that that I managed to thrash out this deal, that I am very pleased about, with him » added Pape Diouf.

«He’s a player that we are putting our beliefs in and he is putting his faith in OM in order for his career to really get going » said the President. He then continued : «Our objective is to take into consideration and fill our needs and I feel that the arrival of Ben Arfa answers one of those needs.»   

He is quite an acquisition even if the President feels he has to go out and prove himself on the field. «The transfer of a player, whatever his talent, is judged after his performances on the pitch. Then we will take stock and see if the performance was up to the expectations. But honestly, we all agree that he has immense talent» he finished off nicely.