Ligue1.com: Kim, you’ve been in France for six years now! Were you expecting to stay so long when you left Sweden?

Kim Källström: “I came to France with a really open mind to see what happened. I wanted to leave Sweden and try and new league, a new experience overseas – that had always been my aim in football. I’ve always had such a great time in France, I’ve always had new challenges. I moved from a little club to the biggest club in France and I’ve never had a reason to leave France. I love it here and I hope I stay for a long time to come.”

L1: What do you remember most from your time at Rennes?

KK: I’ve only got great memories of my time there. I signed for them when they were really starting to climb the ladder. The new stadium wasn’t quite ready – it was for my second season and that’s when we finished fourth and there were so many people at the ground. The Club played in the UEFA Cup for the first time in ages. Just great memories. The coach, Laszlo Bölöni had confidence in me which is hugely important when you’re young and move to a new country and culture. It was a great experience and I thank everyone at Rennes whenever I see them.”

L1: You won two league titles with Lyon, won the French Cup, played in the Champions League. And then last year, nothing...

KK: “It was very hard to accept. I think the supporters, the players, everyone at Lyon had got used to winning a trophy every season. But every good run has to come to an end some day. But having said that, and as we’re proving at the moment, everyone at the club is working hard to win back the championship. There’s no lack of motivation, that’s for sure.”

L1: What does the future hold for Kim Källström?

KK: “I don’t know. I’m very happy with Lyon. But I also think that football is a sport where you can’t afford to look too far down the track. You really have to concentrate on the present. I still have two and a half years to run on my contract, I’m happy at the club and I like the city, so why would I change?”

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