Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been unveiled as a brand new Olympique Lyon participant after agreeing a deal to hitch the Ligue 1 giants.
The 25-year-old is a product of Arsenal’s youth system, however left The Gunners as a free agent after the membership determined to not renew his contract on the finish of the season.
Mail Sport revealed talks have been underway between the participant and the French facet, with Lyon confirming their hiring and Maitland-Niles signing a four-year contract till 2027.
The attacking full-back joined Southampton on mortgage final season, making 27 appearances in all competitions because the Saints have been relegated to the Championship.
His arrival in France ends a 20-year profession in England, the place he first climbed by means of the Emirates academy ranks earlier than cementing his place within the Arsenal first staff.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been unveiled as a brand new Olympique Lyon participant after becoming a member of the French facet
A hilarious reveal video exhibits the brand new Lyon star sitting all the way down to take pleasure in English afternoon tea treats
Lyon was desirous to mark the Englishman’s arrival in France with a hilarious characteristic movie that confirmed the variations between the cuisines of the 2 international locations.
Traditional English afternoon tea is a staple in England with cake, biscuits and a great cuppa, one of many nation’s most well-known treats.
Maitland-Niles will undoubtedly have tried the posh of a candy tooth throughout his time in England, however is already being launched to a French model by his new membership.
Lyon wasted no time in giving their newest signing a style of France as they initially began the video by showcasing a traditional England choice.
Notable inclusions embody a packet of Walker’s shortbread, cupcakes, English tea luggage, and an ornamental mug emblazoned with the face of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Maitland-Niles is initially given a traditional English mug depicting Queen Elizabeth II (left) earlier than exchanging it for a membership cup (proper)
Maitland-Niles ends his 20-year keep in England after deciding to go to Lyon
Maitland-Niles sits down in an opulent setting because the English nationwide anthem performs over the video earlier than a waiter approaches.
The former FA Cup winner explains that he thinks the choice is ‘great’, however ‘would like to try the Lyon version’.
DJ music then blasts out with all earlier English dishes swapped for his or her French alternate options with a jam tart, an merchandise resembling spearmint chocolate and a Lyon mug introduced into focus.
Maitland-Niles then takes a sip from the mug earlier than trying into the digital camera and says in a uncommon little bit of footballer-actor second, “I really like the English afternoon tea.” But I already love Lyonaisse’s, it’s OL time.’