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Olympique Lyonnais’ Win Over Saint-Etienne Was Not For Me – Bafetimbi Gomis

Gomis went back to haunt his former employers on Halloween, but the striker has said that team glory was more important than personal revenge...

Nov 2, 2009 3:22:13 PM

Champions League : Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon)

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Champions League : Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon)

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Bafetimbi Gomis

Although Olympique Lyonnais forward Bafetimbi Gomis admitted that getting booed by the Saint-Etienne faithful was a motivating factor, the striker stated that success in the Rhone Derby was an occasion to be relished by the entire side.

Sainte dominated the first half of the match but were left clinging by their fingertips as Lyon launched a brutal assault on their goal for much of the second period. OL general manager Claude Puel eventually elected to unleash ‘La Panthere’ from the bench to a chorus of boos from those in the stands of the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, a venue he previously called home. And the France international followed the script, shooting home from close range late on to win a tight encounter 1-0 for his new side.

“It's not 'Bafe's' victory, it’s above all else a victory for Olympique Lyonnais,” Gomis explained to reporters after the game, according to Ligue 1’s official website. “There's real pleasure at winning after two defeats which knocked us back.

“When you come back to a club wearing a different shirt and you are booed, then it's sure to make you even more motivated.”

Despite clearly enjoying his winning strike, Gomis did not want his joy getting out of hand.

“I celebrated my goal with my team-mates in a quiet way because there are plenty of examples of other players whose celebrations have got out of hand against former clubs,” he noted.

Gomis may have been les Verts’ top scorer last season, but he was not always appreciated by the club's supporters, who frequently lamented his finishing. Saturday’s victory will therefore taste even sweeter for the 23-year-old forward, who already has five Ligue 1 goals to his name this season.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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