Arnold Mvuemba has denied that he requested to leave Lyon during the transfer window.
Liverpool were reportedly interested in the former Portsmouth player, but the deadline passed without a deal being agreed.
However, Mvuemba says that he did not ask for a transfer, and claims that the links with Brendan Rodgers's side were "only rumours".
"I would be lying to say that I am happy to stay on the bench. But these are the choices of the coach," Mvuemba is quoted as saying by L'Equipe.
"Only rumours were talked about Liverpool and other French clubs. I did not ask to leave the club."
Mvuemba has made four Ligue 1 appearances this season.