Milan Baros joins Lyon

Milan Baros has joined Olympique Lyonnais from Aston Villa in a straight swap deal for Norwegian striker John Carew. Baros was still playing for Liverpool when he turned down an offer to join Lyon in 2005. But the Czech striker has now decided to put pen to paper in a three-and-a-half-year deal with the French champions. Having taken a look around the Stade Gerland, Baros said he was looking forward to the prospect of winning trophies with his new club. "I think that Lyon is one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and it's a great club. So I'm happy I can be here now, and hopefully we will win some trophies with Lyon," said Baros. Good offer Baros had not requested a move from Villa Park, but felt the opportunity to link up again with former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier was too good to refuse. "Yeah, I played for him for two and half years in Liverpool, so I know him very well. I'm happy he brought me here, and hopefully (the situation) is going to be working as (it did) in Liverpool," added Baros. Ligue 1 leaders Lyon are bidding to become the first team in a major European league to win six domestic titles in succession. They are also among the favourites in this season's Champions League, a tournament that Baros already has experience of winning. Having coached him during his time at Liverpool, Houllier is confident that Baros will fit in well at the Stade Gerland. "I brought him to Liverpool, and I know that when he was there he was very good and very strong for us. He has different qualities from other attackers. He's a hard worker, and he will add power to the team. He will fit well into the Lyon line-up, and it's a good move for the future," said Houllier. Baros, who has 47 international caps, is Lyon's second signing of the January transfer window. Sedan's Algerian defender Nadir Belhadj joined on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a fee of 3.2 million Euros. Baros arrives in a straight swap with Norwegian international striker John Carew - Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas confirming on Monday that both players were valued at 6.5 million Euros and that no money had been exchanged.

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