LYON: Lyon says it pulled out of signing Emmanuel Adebayor because the veteran striker wants to play in next year's African Cup of Nations.

The French club was initially keen on signing the 32-year-old Togo forward following a string of injuries to key players, including star striker Alexandre Lacazette.

Adebayor, previously a regular Premier League scorer for Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham, is without a club after being released by London side Crystal Palace at the end of last season.

Lyon coach Bruno Genesio met with Adebayor at the club's stadium on Friday.

During these discussions, Lyon says Adebayor "confirmed that he wants to play in the 2017 African Cup of Nations for Togo, which could lead to an absence of one or two months."