Latest Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive: Moussa Niakhate departs the City Ground for Lyon.
Lyon has announced the cost for Moussa Niakhate’s transfer from Nottingham Forest.
Niakhate, the Reds’ defender, has left the City Ground after two years. He signed a four-year contract with Lyon.
Forest said in a statement: “We wish Moussa all the best in the future and thank him for his contributions during his time at the club.”
Prior to his switch, Niakhate sent an emotional farewell message to Forest fans. He praised Reds fans, players, and staff, as well as owner Evangelos Marinakis and his son Miltos, for their “love and support”.
Niakhate commented on social media, “Thank you for making me feel at home from day one. I always felt your love and support whenever I stepped onto the field, but what’s incredible is that I felt it much more at my most difficult times, particularly my injuries. That was the most difficult time of my career, but everyone at Forest, from the staff to my teammates and fans, gave me something to smile about every day, and I will never forget that.
“In the end, we have always met our goals owing to the tenacity and desire of the players and personnel who were there during this historic club’s return to the elite. We shared difficult periods as well as wonderful moments of joy at our iconic City Ground, and I am pleased and thrilled that we were able to keep our Premier League membership.
“Thank you to everyone at the club, including the fans, staff, medics, and security personnel. I shall not forget you. And to my teammates: you are all warriors. I adore you all like brothers.
“And finally, I’d want to thank Mr Marinakis and Miltos for their trust in me and much more. Respect and consideration are more important to me than football. And I can attest that you have been much more than owners to me. Thank you.
“If I could change anything about my story with you, it would be absolutely nothing. I will only have good memories of my time here. But what makes me the happiest is that I leave with the impression that you know exactly who I am, that you have worked me out, and that Nottingham Forest is more than just a football club.
In confirming the arrival of Niakhate, Lyon announced they paid £27m to Forest for the player.
