Lille president claims Thomas Meunier sought four times top wage before Sunderland move | OneFootball

Lille president Olivier Létang has challenged Thomas Meunier’s account of his summer exit, saying the defender’s demands fell outside the club’s pay structure. He added that he would not break the framework to keep him.

"I adore Thomas Meunier, and I sent him a quick hello," Létang said. "He said I was the one who decided he shouldn’t stay. But if you ask me for four times the club’s highest salary…" he told RTL.

Meunier had indicated he wanted to remain with the Ligue 1 side and suggested the decision ultimately came from above, characterising it as more the president’s call than his before finalising a switch to Sunderland.

"What do you think I’m going to say? I’m going to say: 'No, that’s not possible.' I’d like to, but I can’t. Because I’ve set a framework for myself, and I don’t want to deviate from it."

The 34-year-old later joined Sunderland on a free after leaving Lille at the end of last season, and has quickly become a regular under Régislac Le Bris, offering experience and tactical flexibility on the right of defence and in midfield.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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