Diarra - Harry will play me

Midfielder admits move to Fratton Park may shock people

By James Dall   Last updated: 17th January 2008

Lassana Diarra

Diarra: Wants to play

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Lassana Diarra believes his expected move to Portsmouth may come as a 'shock' to some people.

Skysports.com revealed on Wednesday that the France international has agreed a switch from Arsenal to Fratton Park.

Diarra has reportedly agreed personal terms and passed a medical, and is set to be unveiled as Pompey's latest signing later this week.

The 22-year-old, who only joined The Gunners from Chelsea last summer, was desperate for a move away from Emirates Stadium following restricted opportunities in Arsene Wenger's starting XI.

Diarra, though, is confident will he find regular first-team football under Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp.

"My choice will shock and surprise people. Portsmouth is not Arsenal or Chelsea. But I know what the big clubs are," he said.

"I know the trainer of Portsmouth and I know that he will play me. Everything has been very clear."

Fed up

He added in L'Equipe: "I need to play. I am fed up of pleasing people. I am 22-years-old and the most important thing to me is football, my job, my passion.

"Portsmouth is a respectable club, which has achieved a very good start to the season.

"I have absolutely nothing against Arsene Wenger. Arsenal is achieving a great start to the season, so Arsene is right. I just hoped to make a name for myself.

"Some people say I made a mistake by joining Portsmouth considering Les Bleus. I don't think so. I thought a lot. I will play more often."

Diarra went on to admit that Lyon made an approach, however the French side failed to match his wage expectations.

"About the interest from Lyon; I will be very clear. At first England was my priority. Then in France, they could not pay my wages," he concluded.

Meanwhile, reports in France suggest that unsettled Lens defender Lucien Aubey could be heading to Portsmouth or Birmingham City.

Djimi Traore is also being linked with a January move, with rumours suggesting that he could be set for a loan switch to Rennes.