Seven-time Ligue 1 defending champions, Olympique Lyonnais, have completed the $13.2 million transfer of Rennes central defender John Mensah. The Ghana captain claims to have turned down offers to play in the English Premier League with Portsmouth and Wigan. “I had a few offers, mostly from English clubs but I opted for Lyon on the insistence of my agent,” remarked Mensah at his unveiling.

He follows in the footsteps of Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew and Chelsea’s Michael Essien as the third Ghanaian to lace up for Les Gones. Mensah, 25, has signed a five year contract at Stade Gerland and is looking forward to bettering his countrymen at the illustrious club. “These are major players, but I hope to do better than they did. It’s not going to be easy for me, but I’ll do my best. I’m looking forward to linking up with (new manager) Claude Puel who is one of the best managers in France and has a great future in the game.”