Gerard Houllier's side, who had all but wrapped up the title by Christmas, were officially confirmed as champions again on Saturday evening when Toulouse - the only other team remaining in the race - went down 3-2 at Rennes.

The league is the first and only piece of silverware the Stade Gerland outfit have got their hands on this season and while Govou concedes that is disappointing, he is delighted with the feat.

"Not to be satisfied with a sixth title, that is absurd," said the 27-year-old France international forward.

"We had more ambitions on the European level, and the defeat in the Coupe de la Ligue final caused more disappointment than if we had lost in the round-of-16 or quarter-final.

"But when people look back at this title in three, four or 10 years, I think they will be really proud of us."

Govou has, by his own admission, had an indifferent campaign, but is pleased with the overall outlook on the term.

"[There has been] ups and downs," he said. "I had a superb first part of season and then a more disappointing second, in terms of play and results.

"Elimination from the Champions League (in round-of-16 to Roma) and the Coupe de France (in round-of-16 to Marseille) and the defeat in the Coupe de la Ligue final are outstanding failures.

"But when the general assessment is looked at, I cannot say it was a bad season."

Les Gones would have secured the league on home territory on Wednesday if they had managed to overcome Rennes, but never looked like grabbing a winner in a dismal 0-0 stalemate.

Cries of "We are the champions" were heard from the home dressing room afterwards, even though nothing was mathematically certain.

"It is true that we would have preferred to officially win the championship at the Stade Gerland," said Govou. "But sometimes, you cannot have it all.

"By getting a draw, we almost assured we would be champions.

"I did not understand the reaction of the people too much, their whistles at the end of the match.

"When you hear whistles, you inevitably do not want to shout or jump to the ceiling. Perhaps we also made an error before the match. We too insisted that it was absolutely necessary to win."

As it was, Toulouse's defeat in Brittany rendered the title race redundant, although Houllier's side would have been able to clinch the crown against Auxerre on Sunday.

The southerners' failure to keep the contest alive meant Lyon were able to savour their success - in moderation at their Burgundy hotel - with six games still to play.

"It does not matter," Govou added in L'Equipe. "The season was long and whether [we won the title] in front of the television or on the pitch, it does not change anything.

"I am just a player and cannot explain the things we are achieving.

"For the club, the city, the supporters, it is splendid. For me, although I still want to play, it will be especially when I finish football that I will realise what an achievement this is."