“Aulas will be around this club, even more than me,” says Textor

John Textor JEFF PACHOUD / AFP

During his appearance at a press conference on Tuesday, a day after the announcement of the departure of Jean-Michel Aulas as president of Lyon, the American wanted to clarify the role of the historic president.

“I will be clear about what happened. The collaboration has changed, but to go from there to saying that there is no collaboration is not the way to see things. Jean-Michel has decided to no longer be chairman, he will nevertheless continue to be a shareholder and director on the board of directors. He will be very present in the team. He will be around this club, even more than me. He lives here, me in Florida. Everyone will continue to see it. I am still counting on him, our collaboration will continue. We will take a certain leadership in relation to him but I hope to continue to count on himconfirmed the club’s new CEO.

John Textor also had glowing words about his predecessor. “Jean-Michel and I have always had a very good relationship, we have always communicated very well. The tensions should not be exaggerated. Jean-Michel thought it was time to consider the future. OL’s influence is exceptional. It takes such courage, such confidence to achieve what Jean-Michel was able to do. There are no words to describe what he was able to do. People are ready to welcome me quickly but they tell me how much they respect Jean-Michel for what he has done.»

“I am interim CEO”

“I won’t be the CEO for very long. The CEO must be here in Lyon, with roots. I’m the interim CEO, we want to find someone else. We also started looking“announced the one who lives in Florida.