Pierre Sage has revealed that he was prepared to remain at RC Lens had the club failed to reach an agreement with Crystal Palace over his departure, contradicting suggestions that he forced through his move to the Premier League. In an interview with L’Équipe, the former Les Sang et Or head coach explained that although he had decided Crystal Palace was the right destination, he made it clear to the Lens hierarchy that he would honour his contract if negotiations broke down.

“When discussions over the transfer compensation really intensified, I said to Jean-Louis Leca and Benjamin Parrot, ‘Listen, if it gets blocked, I’ll stay.’ But, I think they had taken the period of the three interviews so badly that it was no longer possible for them,” Sage explained.

The former Lens manager also rejected claims that he informed the club of his decision at the last minute. Sage revealed that he only made his final choice on 1 June, after the Coupe de France final, despite first being contacted by Crystal Palace in December. He added that Lens had given him ten days to decide, but he communicated his decision almost a week before that deadline expired.