Football: Roma sign Maxime Gonalons from Lyon

French midfielder Maxime Gonalons arrives at Fiumicino Airport in Rome on July 2, 2017, to join Italian soccer club AS Roma after a five million Euro deal with Olympique Lyonnais. PHOTO: EPA

Rome (AFP) - Lyon captain and midfielder Maxime Gonalons has signed a four-year deal with Italian Serie A runners-up Roma, the French club said on Monday.

The French international takes a well-beaten trail as Roma have a long history of signing French players and the 28-year-old arrives for a fee of €5 million (S$7.8 million).

"After speaking with Monchi (Roma sporting director) and the coach (Eusebio di Francesco) about their ambitions, I did not hesitate for a moment," Gonalons said.

"For this reason, there were no issues and everything was agreed very quickly," said Gonalons, who has over 300 Ligue 1 appearances and several Champions League campaigns under his belt.

"Maxime is a footballer of international stature," Monchi said.

"In addition to his technical ability, we are delighted to add his experience and personality to our group."

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