Mikael Silvestre has admitted that he turned down the chance of moving to Lyon last month.
Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has admitted that he turned down the chance of moving to Lyon last month.The French champions were keen to seal a deal for the 28-year-old, but he rejected the move as he could not play for them in the UEFA Champions League.
"I had an opportunity to go to Lyon which I refused," Silvestre told MUTV.
"I spoke to Gerard Houllier but I am cup-tied for the Champions League and we both know he is not going to play one person in the league and another in Europe.
"I wasn't going to have much opportunity, so I knew it wasn't a good move.
"Manchester United is still my priority and I am ready to work twice as hard to prove I can still play for the club."
With United accepting Lyon's advances - combined with the recent acquisitions of Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, it would suggest that Silvestre's Old Trafford stay is approaching its end.
However, Silvestre insists he still has plenty to offer United.
"I can understand the speculation," he said.
"It is normal when you sign two defenders. You do not buy players to put them on the bench and you need room for them in the team.
"But I have to accept the challenge and I will work hard until the end of the season and do my best when the manager needs me."
