Alexandre Lacazette has explained why he took a pay cut to join Olympique Lyonnais, as they announced his signing this morning.

After reports on Wednesday that former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette was holding a medical at Lyon, the Ligue 1 club announced his signature on Thursday morning – as expected.

It was somewhat of a giveaway when Lyon confirmed they’d be holding a press conference at 9am on Thursday, which gave Lacazette an immediate chance to speak to the media about his move.

Amid the reports of a return to France was the news that Lacazette had accepted as much as a 50% pay cut to rejoin his old club. Responding to questions on that topic, the striker explained why he’d agreed to do so.

“My love for the club was enough (for me to take a pay cut),” Lacazette said (via GFFN).

“The project is also very important for me. It was a decision I took with those close to me and in the end, I’m happy. It is moving to rediscover this stadium. I can’t wait to wear the shirt.

“It was difficult to follow Lyon from a distance last season and not be able to help them. I hope that this period is over and we can refind a strong Lyon. The objective is certainly to help the club get back to the top, and achieve a European qualification.”

There’s never been much doubt about Lacazette’s destination. Lyon bosses have been clear all year that a return for Lacazette was one of their primary goals.

“If we need to make compromises to get him, we will,” Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said in May, with director of football Vincent Ponsot adding: “We will continue until the end, it’s a desire for us [to bring Lacazette back].”

Lacazette joined Arsenal from Lyon back in 2017, spending five years with the Gunners.

The striker made 206 appearances and scored 71 goals, and he’ll now return to Lyon – where he’s already racked up 275 appearances and 129 goals.