Roux unveiled by Lille with debut set for Saturday

Published: 24 Jan 2012 - 16:46:26

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Roux unveiled by Lille with debut set for Saturday

Defending champions Lille officially unveiled new striker Nolan Roux to the press on Tuesday after the club clinched a deal for the former Brest man at the end of last week.

The 23-year-old, flanked by Lille president Michel Seydoux and manager Rudi Garcia during a press conference at the club's Domaine de Luchin training complex, spoke of his excitement at joining the Ligue 1 title challengers.

"Lille is another environment. I needed that to help turn the corner. I'm happy to be here and with my family close by it's a bonus," Roux explained.

A product of rival club Lens, Roux has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the club and could make his Lille debut this weekend against Saint-Etienne if his registration is completed in time for Saturday.

Meanwhile, Seydoux stressed that Roux's arrival "wasn't related" to the departure of Moussa Sow, who is set complete a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce.

"The contract is signed, only the medical remains. Now, if he returns for one reason or another, he will return, there is no problem," Seydoux indicated, likely alluding to the possible consequences of ongoing match-fixing allegations in Turkey.

Lille are also still on the hunt for a central defender, with Roux's former Brest teammate Jonathan Zebina being linked with a move to the club.