Anthony Le Tallec has admitted he is relieved to no longer be Liverpool's 'slave'.
The Frenchman moved to Anfield in 2003 but failed to establish himself in his first year with the club.
Le Tallec was then loaned out for four consecutive seasons, spending time at St Etienne, Sunderland, Sochaux and Le Mans.
He finally cut his ties with Liverpool earlier this summer when he completed a permanent move to Le Mans, and he is happy to have his long-term future sorted.
"Since I have signed here, I feel much freer in my mind," Le Tallec told L'Equipe.
"I am not Liverpool's slave anymore, which played with me each year."
No hesitation
Le Tallec insists that he did not think twice before putting pen-to-paper on a deal with Le Mans.
However, he is concerned about the recent departures of several high-profile players, with Romaric, Stephane Sessegnon, Tulio De Melo and Daisuke Matsui all moving on.
"Since the end of last season, we haven't been able to stop players leaving," he said.
"I have never seen that before. However, when I was offered a contract, I didn't hesitate."