Diarra makes Pompey pledge

France midfielder backing boss Domenech

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 30th June 2008

Lassana Diarra Portsmouth January 2008

Diarra: Pompey pledge

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Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has confirmed he will be at Fratton Park next season, despite reported interest in his services.

Diarra only moved to the South Coast from Arsenal in January, having swiftly become frustrated at his lack of playing time at Emirates Stadium following his switch from Chelsea.

The France international has flourished under Harry Redknapp with his midfield displays attracting admiring glances from rival clubs.

But Redknapp has already ruled out allowing one of his key players to leave, and now Diarra has pledged his future to Pompey.

He told L'Equipe: "Where will I play next season? Why such a question? I am under contract at Portsmouth.

"I feel fine at the club, they have allowed me to play in Europe and win the FA Cup."

Domenech

Diarra was a member of France's unsuccessful Euro 2008 squad, but did not feature as they crashed out in the group stages.

The midfielder believes coach Raymond Domenech should stay on at the helm for the forthcoming World Cup qualification campaign.

He said: "I heard and read a lot of things when I came back from Switzerland. Frankly, the atmosphere was very good inside the French team. All the players were gathered and showed solidarity. I never saw any trouble.

"Both on individual and collective levels we were just not equal to the situation. We made too many mistakes. All the players have to question themselves, they are all responsible for what happened.

"I think it would not be good to change the coach. We have to work in continuity.

"Domenech knows the young players very well, he can understand them. Together, we will try to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, and fight to win it. We didn't become hopeless in one day.

"I hope the coach will go on. I appreciate him even if he didn't play me during that competition."